"One main problem along the border area between Indonesia and Malaysia is the smuggling of drugs by international rings," a military spokesman said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian military (TNI) has stepped up security in the countrys border area with Malaysia in anticipation of any possible bid to smuggle drugs, a military spokesman said here on Thursday.
West Kalimantan was seen as a safe passage for smuggling of drugs and other goods to Indonesia, Colonel Infantry Bedali Harefa said at the military headquarters, Cilangkap.
"One main problem along the border area between Indonesia and Malaysia is the smuggling of drugs by international rings," he noted.
Earlier on Wednesday, border security task force of Para Raider 502/UY of the Army Strategic Command, customs officials and Badau police foiled an attempt to smuggle 19.79 kg of methamphetamine from Malaysia, before it could pass through the Nanga Badau check post in Badau sub-district, Kapuas Hulu in West Kalimantan province.
Bedali disclosed that the drugs were found in a car which was about to enter Indonesian territory, when security officers stopped it during a routine operation at 11.30 hours local time.
The drugs were hidden in three boxes kept in the cars trunk.
"The three boxes were stuffed with drugs, allegedly methamphetamine. The drugs were packed in 30 packages and weighed 30 kg in total," Bedali added.
The police also found 1,992 pills of ecstasy hidden inside the cars speakers.
Meanwhile, the commander of the task force, Major Infantry Febi Triandoko said the suspect, Chong Chee Kok, 41, who is a Malaysian, was detained by Kapuas Hulu police for further investigation.
"The task force would continue such routine operations until we complete our task in this border area. We are here to help the police and customs officials in launching a crackdown on drugs abuse," he observed. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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