The Lakes State Minister of Information says at least seven men believed to be dealers in firearms have been arrested in the capital Rumbek.
Minister Marik Nanga Marik told Eye Radio that soldiers were among the dealers.
Mr. Nanga said five machine guns, including PKM and M3 were found with them.
“They are mixed; there are soldiers among them,” said Mr Nanga, “they go and bring firearms, I do not know, whether from Juba or from where.”
Lakes State has been experiencing inter- communal violence and revenge killings.
Authorities blame these incidents on widespread presence of small arms amongst civilians.
In March this year, the caretaker Governor of Lakes attributed the insecurity and widespread availability of light weapons to the violence in Jonglei State.