19 Feb 2009

Backyard gun maker arrested in West New Britain in PNG

5:28 pm on 19 February 2009

A disabled gunsmith has been arrested in Papua New Guinea for manufacturing guns and ammunition in his backyard shed.

According to the National newspaper the 39-year-old wheelchair bound man known as "Harzem" was also reportedly found with numerous books on Islam, terrorism and war.

Police made the arrest at Dami village in PNG's West New Britain Province - an area that has been experiencing ongoing local clashes fuelled by homemade weapons and firearms.

Police say that Harzem is believed to be the main weapon supplier in the tribal conflict.

West New Britain Police Commander Richard Mulo says Harzem was in police custody and would appear in court as soon as possible.