Three people, including one soldier, were arrested by the authorities for their involvement in a theft from the armoury of an infantry battalion based in northern Arakan State said a police source.
The detained individuals were identified as Maung Moe, a soldier from Sakakha 15 division and two villagers namely Aung Tun Kyaw (33) and Maung San Aye (26). All of them were charged with stealing small arms and ammunition from a weapons store on the night of 7th December 2014.
At least two pistols, 981 bullets, four magazines and two bayonets were reported missing from the armory of Light Infantry Battalion no 564 based in Maungnama Palay Village in Buthidaung Township.
Police and military personnel first arrested Maung Moe and recovered one pistol and 136 bullets from him. Following his confession, the authorities arrested Aung Tun Kyaw and Maung San Aye from Okk Taung village near the battalion camp. Later the authorities recovered more arms and ammunition from them.
Soldier Maung Moe is being interrogated by army officers at an army camp. The two villagers were handed over to the Buthidaung police.
The authorities want to find out if any of the detainees have links to any locally active insurgent organisations.
