The Cartenz Peace Task Force arrested Timika KNPB Chairman Yanto Awerkion on 23 September 2022 after previously arresting Botak Kogoya and Meki Nabelau. Awerkion was accused of being involved in the arms and ammunition trade.

KNPB Spokesperson Ones Suhuniap denied the security forces' allegations against Awerkion. According to him, Awerkion was not involved in buying and selling weapons and ammunition in Timika.

"We state that the allegation is not true. The allegations leading up to the arrest were pure fabrication. Secondly, the scenario is made up to criminalise Papuan activists," he said.

He also alleged a scenario to criminalise the Timika KNPB Chairman amidst the uproar over the murder and mutilation of four civilians from Nduga district in Timika some time ago.

On 8 December 2022, Yanto's case was registered at the Timika District Court with the classification of firearms or sharp objects. On 6 April 2023, Yanto was convicted and sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison, three months less than the prosecutor's recommendation. He will therefore be fully free on 22 April 2025.

On 27 May 2024, Yanto was granted parole. He was required to report to the Merauke detention centre every two months. When he reported on 22 April 2025, he was informed that his 'supervision period' had been extended to April 2026.