Ammonium nitrate is a basic ingredient used in explosives and a special permit is required for the transport or trade of this chemical compound in the country.Karimun, Riau Islands (ANTARA News) - Customs authorities of the Riau Islands foiled an attempt to smuggle 51 tons of highly explosive ammonium nitrate from Malaysia into Indonesia.
Head of Special Customs Directorate General of Riau Islands Parijaya said here on Wednesday that the authority detained Motor Vessel Harapan Kita B.29 No.769 at 30 mile east of Berakit Sea, Riau Islands.
The vessel was loaded with 21,050 sacks of ammonium nitrate, valued at an estimated Rp6.6 billion, from Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.
"The crew members said that they were transporting ammonium nitrate to Sulawesi," Parijaya said.
The captain of MV Harapan Kita, identified with his initials as Hsnd, failed to show any official documents and the ships manifest to the authority.
The highly explosive compound was concealed underneath a container marked "Mitsubishi Japan" to hoodwink the officers.
Ammonium nitrate is a basic ingredient used in explosives and a special permit is required for the transport or trade of this chemical compound in the country.
It was feared that the illegally transported chemical compound could have been misused, such as for fish bombing or acts of terrorism that might have even jeopardized the national security, Parijaya said.
The authority arrested the captain and five ship crew members who may face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
The six suspects have been detained in Tanjung Balai Karimun Penitentiary while the authority is investigating the ship and its logistics.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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