Although the men are no longer in jail, the investigation is ongoing. The weapons will be kept by the authorities and the gun permit that was issued to the company that the men work for has been revoked. According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, all sixteen persons have a residency permit. These people were brought to Suriname by a local company to work as cooks, security guards and operators. Investigators found out that the company has a permit for the weapons but that it had failed to share the names of the people who would be in possession of the weapons. Meanwhile the Public Prosecutor’s Office is trying to find out if the weapons were used lawfully and who was responsible for the distribution of these weapons. The suspects had to leave all of their clothes and personal belongings behind when they were brought to Paramaribo. Reports indicate that their clothes and personal belongings were stolen. Officials have informed the company to report the thefts. The Defense Ministry and the Ministry of Justice and Police had decided to keep the large scale joint operation a secret to make sure that the foreigners would not make a run for it. The Defense Ministry explained that the operation went according to plan. “We do not talk much but we take firm action”, said the Defense Ministry. As a result of the element of surprise the entire operation went smoothly. It is still not clear where the weapons came from. Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath explained that the men operated in an area where a good concession is located and where varius firms are active. He pointed out that the joint operation sends a strong message that the government also keeps an eye on things in remote areas and that the rule of law exists nationwide. The investigation is ongoing.