North Jakarta Police say they have arrested 83 highway robbers that have attacked truck drivers in a number of incidents.

“Thirteen people have been detained, because they allegedly used sharp weapons in their acts. The remaining 70 people will be sent to the social affairs agency,” North Jakarta Police crime unit chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Febriansyah said Sunday, as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.

Febriansyah added that the robbers had worked in groups to stop passing trucks and force the drivers to give them money. According to the robbers’ accounts, they committed such crimes to meet their daily needs.

Febriansyah said the North Jakarta Police had formed a special task force to ensure safety in North Jakarta, which is home to the country's main seaport, Tanjung Priok. (vla)