"We caught the 47 illegal immigrants when they were trying to cross to Australia, and they had been transported by two medium trucks from Cisarua, Bogor," Sumaryoto said here on Sunday.
He added the 47 illegal immigrants, all grown up males, planned to be handed over to the Immigration Office in Sukabumi. They had been closely followed from Bagbagan highway, Palabuhanratu, when heading to Ciemas subdistrict, and some even had tried to run away, but were eventually caught.
All of them had been caught in Girimukti village and for the time being being held at Ciemas Police Sector station for registration. "We are still investigating the dispatch of the illegal immigrants to Sukabumi waters with coordination of Sukabumi Police Sector," he added.
He said he is also investigating the people trying to send them by providing boats for the illegal immigrants.
Sumaryoto also said that the Ciemas waters had always been used to send the illegal Middle Eastern immigrants to Australia, because of its close proximity with Christmas Island, and last year there had been three attempts of sending illegal immigrants by way of Ciemas.
"In anticipation, we have also coordinated with the local fishermen and in past arrests were the result of reports from the local residents who suspected groups of foreigners staying near the beach," Sumaryoto said.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
