PESHAWAR, July 23: At least 32 policemen sent to Punjab Regiment Centre in Mardan for special training have been returned to their districts after arms, ammunition and contraband were seized from them.

Sources said 23 of the policemen belonged to Swat police, eight to Buner and one to Lower Dir.

As the districts were considered strongholds of extremist organisations, the military officials considered it appropriate not to allow the police officials to remain in the centre, the sources said.

The training began on Monday.

According to the sources, during initial search, one pistol each was seized from 18 policemen, whereas some of them had ammunition, knives and daggers. From seven of the officials, a small quantity of charas and opium was seized.

The policemen from whom pistols were seized claimed that they were licensed weapons. Those carrying magazines and rounds of pistols stated that they were case property.—Bureau