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PNG Mercenary Freed

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea () -- Officials abruptly dropped firearms charges Tuesday against the British leader of the mercenary force that was hired to quash secessionist rebels on the island of Bougainville. Just before his trial was to begin Tuesday, officials dropped the charges of illegal possession of a pistol and ammunition, and gave retired lieutenant colonel Tim Spicer his passport back.


Spicer had pleaded innocent to two charges of illegally carrying a Makarov 9 mm pistol and 41 rounds of ammunition.

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