T

he Navy thwarted an attempt to smuggle over 67 kilograms of methamphetamines in Seruway waters, Aceh Tamiang regency, Aceh, recently. The drugs, worth Rp 134 billion (US$9 million), were being transported on a speedboat from Penang, Malaysia, reportedly by members of an international drug syndicate.

Aceh and North Sumatra waters have been popular entry points over the past several years for drug smugglers who aim to supply narcotics to the country, via Sumatra.

Rear Admiral Yudo Margono said the smuggling attempt was thwarted thanks to a tip-off from Seruway fishermen.

Yudo said the fishermen had made the report after seeing a suspicious speedboat moving toward the village of Kuala Peunaga.

Two Seruway navy patrol team officers then conducted a stakeout and stopped the boat from entering the village. Although they confiscated the drugs, two crew members on the boat escaped by jumping into the water and running into the forest.

The incident was among smuggling attempts by members of international drug syndicates that continued to take place in the region.

“We have thousands of shortcuts in our waters that can be used to smuggle drugs into the country,” he said.