Defendant Hartono, 25, was sentenced to death by a panel of judges led by Salam Al Farizi, while Makmur, 27, and Yunus, 40, were handed life sentences.

The judges said the three were found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of smuggling 10 kilograms of sabu-sabu (crystal methamphetamine) into Parepare from Nunukan in Kalimantan via the sea using a motorboat on Feb. 5.

“Hartono was given a death sentence because he was found to smuggle sabu-sabu into South Sulawesi through Nusantara Parepare Port three times,” judge Salam said.

Makmur and Yunus, who worked at the port, acted as couriers. Makmur took delivery of the crystal meth at the port from Hartono and took it home while Yunus picked it up from Makmur and delivered it to a buyer in Sidenreng Rappang regency.

Hartono said he would appeal the decision, arguing that he was also only a courier, not the owner. He said the owner was Onding, a man from Sidenreng Rappang who resided in Malaysia. Onding is still at large.

Makmur and Yunus said they would discuss their sentences with their lawyers before deciding whether to appeal. (evi)

Popular

Indonesian islanders lose ground as islets put on sale

Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave

A democratic reckoning for global development finance