35 TONS OF ARMS FOUND ON AIRCRAFT AT BANGKOK AIRPORT

On 12 December 2009 authorities at Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport (VTBD/DMK) discovered more than 35 tons of arms on an aircraft that was making a refueling stop at the airport. The cargo included rocket-propelled grenades, shoulder launched rockets, missiles and other weapons. The aircraft, which was registered in Georgia, was travelling from North Korea to Sri Lanka according to the lead pilot; however, a final destination was not indicated. Sri Lankan officials stated that they had no shipments scheduled to land in the country from North Korea. Five crew members -- including four individuals from Kazakhstan and one from Belarus -- were arrested after the weapons were discovered and were denied bail after their hearing on 14 December.