Task Force Damai Cartenz Dismantles Armed Criminal Group Weapons Network, Seizes Rp122 Million
The joint task force of the Damai Cartenz 2026 Operation and Papua Police successfully dismantled a network engaged in illegal trading of firearms and ammunition intended for armed criminal groups (KKB) operating in the Yahukimo and Yalimo regions. The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects along with evidence including hundreds of rounds of ammunition and hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash.
Kombes Pol Yusuf Sutejo, Public Affairs Officer of the Damai Cartenz Task Force, confirmed that the arrests were conducted in a series of operations on Thursday, 12 March, across Jayapura city and district. The operation resulted from intelligence development regarding the movement of KKB logistics from mountainous regions to the city centre.
Of eight individuals apprehended, five have been designated as suspects with different roles in the weapons supply chain. “Three others remain as witnesses and are undergoing further investigation to determine the extent of their involvement in this network,” said Kombes Yusuf in Jayapura on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
During raids, officers seized one assembled long-barrelled firearm, 298 rounds of various calibre ammunition, five magazines, as well as identity documents and communication devices belonging to the perpetrators.
Kombes Yusuf explained that the modus operandi of this network involves sending emissaries from mountainous regions to Jayapura. These emissaries are tasked with locating networks of firearms providers in urban areas. “The perpetrators’ modus operandi consists of dispatching several people from mountainous regions to Jayapura to search for networks capable of supplying firearms and ammunition. Once obtained, these are transported to operational areas,” he stated.
Currently, the suspects and evidence have been secured at Papua Police Headquarters for further legal proceedings. Police continue pursuing other parties strongly suspected of being suppliers or sellers of firearms in the illegal supply chain.