General Tariq, who was joined by the State Minister for Information Affairs Sameera Rajab, revealed that during a string of operations the public security had seized largest cache of arms and ammunition in the recent history of the Kingdom.
During the 48 hours operation, the Police Chief said, the security forces conducted a well coordinated four operations and rounded up 17 fugitives, seizing two boats allegedly one each being used for the illegal arms trafficking and arrested 13-outlwas, including one Saudi national and 12 Bahrainis, wanted in various cases.
In addition, General Tariq explained, two Bahrainis onboard boat full with arms and ammunition were caught red-handed. “The two more arrests were made as results of investigations and this process will continue unless the investigations are over,” he added.
Initial investigations show that gang of criminals, who were arrested by the coast guard and the police, were trying to flee and heading towards northern border between Bahrain and Iran.
“The investigations are still in very preliminary stage and so far the evidence shows that the criminals were trying to flee to Iran,” General Tariq, said, adding that the Kingdom of Bahrain has beefed up inland and border security including sea patrol.
About the illegal arms smuggling into Bahrain he said that the board was loaded and sailed into the sea from Iraq.
“The boat was loaded with arms and ammunition by a Bahraini who has been living in Iraq and as the investigations continues more details will emerge,” General Tariq, added.
To a question about possible hands of foreign organisations and countries in trying to destabilise security situation in the Kingdom, he said that the operation in sea point finger towards Iran but it would be taken up by the Government’s relevant quarters with its counterparts.
Head of Legal Affairs and Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior, Mohammed Bu Humood said that it would be too early to say about the severity of sentences for those involved in this crime.
“We can say anything about the harshness of the punishment and penalties as it will entirely depend on the indictment and prosecution process,” he added.