A top tribal leader in northern Sinai, Mohammed Abu Samra, has revealed that secret negotiations are taking place to help find and release four officers who were kidnapped in Sinai after the revolution broke out in January 2011. "After studying the kidnapping case, we have discovered that the officers are potentially in the area of central Sinai" said Samra, adding "This area is controlled by drug dealers and Africans smugglers. An army force does not exist in this area, and security forces are weak." The leader denied rumours about the abducted men being held in a secret prison in Gaza Strip run by Hamas. "Through information and communication, we have found out that the men are still alive. They were kidnapped for revenge reasons related to the Egyptian Police. The army is secretly combing the area and seeks to release the officers soon" Samra concluded.