Suspected Illegal Firearms Seller in Rancaekek Known as Reclusive Figure
Bandung (ANTARA) - Aep Saepudin (42), the suspected perpetrator of illegal firearm sales secured by police in Kampung Rancasepat, Rancaekek, Bandung Regency, West Java, is known to local residents as a reclusive individual.
The head of the Neighbourhood Unit (RT) in Kampung Rancasepat, Asep Rosadi, stated that the suspect spends most of his time outside the home, and his whereabouts are rarely known to residents due to his unremarkable activities.
“I rarely chat with him (the suspect). He’s seldom at home, so we don’t meet. I know he’s not originally from here, only his wife is a local,” he said when met in Bandung on Monday.
According to him, the suspect’s daily routine tends to be like that of an ordinary worker, leaving in the morning and returning home at night, which minimises interactions with neighbouring residents.
“As far as I know, he leaves for work in the morning and returns at night. So, he’s rarely seen,” he said.
Additionally, Asep mentioned that the suspect lives with his wife and two children who are still in primary school in the area, and the family is known not to socialise much with the surrounding community.
Until the arrest occurred, Asep claimed he had never directly communicated with the suspect or his family.
“Even now, I haven’t communicated with his family,” he said.
This is what surprised residents upon learning of the police arrest.
Previously, Unit 1 of the Mobile Brigade Criminal Investigation Command of the National Police Headquarters conducted an operation against suspected criminal acts of possessing and circulating illegal firearms and explosives in Rancaekek, Bandung.
The operation was led by Kanit 1 Satresmob AKBP Harry Azhar along with personnel on Monday (6/4) at two locations, namely a rice stall in the Cipacing area, Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency, and the Rancaekek area, Bandung Regency.
In the operation, officers secured a suspect with initials Aep Saepudin (42), who is suspected of acting as an intermediary or broker for illegal firearm sales.
From the suspect’s hands, police seized evidence including one SIG Sauer P226 pistol along with its magazine, one unfinished long-barrel weapon unit, two rounds of .22 calibre ammunition, and several other items.
Based on initial examination results, police then developed the case to the suspect’s residence in Rancaekek Kulon.
From that location, police found various types of ammunition with different calibres, including 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, 9 mm bullets, up to projectiles and other equipment.
Subsequently, the second team conducted further investigation in the Rancaekek Wetan area and successfully secured another suspect, Tatang Sutardin (57), who is suspected of acting as a firearm manufacturer.
From that location, police seized several long-barrel weapon components as well as tools used for assembling firearms.