Mar 28, 2008 (DVB), Prome township police seized firearms and explosives on Tuesday afternoon in a raid on the home of a bamboo shop owner in Koe Thaung ward, locals said.

Ko Aye Htun Zaw and his wife own the Mya Sein Yaung bamboo shop in the ward and a small private hostel on their property where they provide accommodation for university students.

Police from Prome township, Bago division, raided Aye Htun Zaw's house at around 3pm on 25 March after a tip-off, according to a local resident.

The resident said the police arrested Aye Htun Zaw and his wife, as well as seven students living in the hostel.

"The police and intelligence officers raided the house after they heard information that weapons, explosives and communications devices were hidden on the property beneath a pile of bamboo," he said.

"The house has now been cordoned off and is under police guard."

Six of the students arrested with the couple were arrested yesterday morning, but the house remains under police restrictions.

Prome township Peace and Development Council office and police station-1 were unavailable for comment.

Aye Htun Zaw is the son-in-law of a late British colonial-era politician, and is also a former member of the All Burma Students' Democratic Front, according to locals.

Reporting by Naw Say Phaw