Surinam ex-leader's son is jailed

Desi Bouterse has also been convicted of drug trafficking

The son of Surinam's former military leader Desi Bouterse has been sentenced to eight years' jail for illegal arms and drugs trafficking.

Dino Bouterse, 32, was convicted by a court in the capital, Paramaribo. His lawyer said he would lodge an appeal.

Desi Bouterse led Surinam between 1980 and 1987 and has been convicted of drug trafficking in the Netherlands.

His son was arrested after 11 luxury stolen cars were found at a garage outside the capital.

Machine-guns and cocaine were also found at the site.

Dino Bouterse was arrested with six other people including a police officer. All seven were convicted.

The prosecution said that Dino Bouterse led the ring.

Desi Bouterse cannot be extradited to the Netherlands because of a joint treaty which blocks extraditions between the two nations.

He denies the drug-trafficking charges.

The former army sergeant, who led a brief coup in 1991, is also accused of having 15 government opponents murdered in 1982.