Two women US nationals detained with arms at Bagdogra Airport

Siliguri, Apr 14 (UNI) Two US nationals, Martine Bend (57) and her 37-year-old daughter Monika Bend, were today detained for carrying illegal ammunition at Bagdogra Airport, about 20 km west of this commercial town.

Superintendent of Police Rahul Srivastav said the women, residents of California, were carrying some 11 rounds of live ammunition of nine mm pistol in their baggage. They were caught during the routine security checking.

Mr Srivastav said the two US nationals were on a tourist visa and had been holidaying in Darjeeling since March 24. They arrived here to take a New Delhi flight by Air Deccan.

''Carrying unlicenced arms and ammunition are prohibited on the airplane. Licence holders must also declare before boarding a flight and handover to the securitymen for passengers' safety,'' he said.

Mr Srivastav said they were claiming to have licence for a nine mm pistol but could not produce anything so far to support the claim.

He said on their request, a photocopy of licence from California was mailed to the investigators here but that date had been expired.

Mr Srivastav said if the US tourists failed to produce any document on ammunition, then legal action would be initiated against them under law of the land.

He said Monica, claiming to be an employee of fire bridage in Califormina, and her mother's versions on ammunition were not same as per initial interrogation.

UNI XC PC HS AS2033