Makassar BNN seizes narcotics worth Rp 2.3 billion

The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in Makassar confiscated crystal methamphetamine and ecstasy pills worth Rp 2.3 billion (US$242,105) from a passenger at Sultan Hasanuddin International airport in Makassar on Friday night, the passenger allegedly attempted to smuggle the narcotics from Malaysia.

South Sulawesi BNN chief Sr. Comr. Richard M Nainggolan said BNN had specifically targeted the 34-year-old Indonesian, identified only as AMI, who was allegedly carrying a kilogram of crystal methamphetamine, locally known as shabu shabu, and 1,000 ecstasy pills.

According to Richard, BNN had long suspected that AMI, who often travels to Malaysia, was a courier for a drugs ring.

Sulawesi Customs and Excise Office head Heru Pambudi said AMI was caught after passing through an x-ray examination gate when his bag was subsequently searched by the airport officers. “He wrapped the narcotics with aluminum foil so they wouldn't be detected by x-ray,” he said.

Richard explained that after undergoing preliminary examination at the airport, the suspect was brought to Jakarta to be questioned further. “He was a target of central BNN. We only helped to catch him,” he said.

AMI is expected to be charged under Article 112 Law No. 35/2009 on narcotics with the maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and Rp 3 billion in fines. (cor/iwa)