Indonesian navy intercepts foreign vessel smuggling nearly 2 tons of drugs

JAKARTA, May 16 (Xinhua) -- A patrol boat from the Indonesian navy intercepted a foreign vessel suspected of attempting to smuggle nearly two tons of illicit drugs into the country through the waters near Tanjung Balai Karimun in Riau Islands province.

The vessel, Aungtoetoe 99, was reportedly carrying approximately 1.2 tons of cocaine and 700 kg of crystal meth. According to Indonesian military's spokesperson Agung Saptoadi on Friday, the boat, flying a Thai flag, was intercepted by the navy on Wednesday.

Saptoadi said the vessel disguised itself as a fishing boat, with the narcotics concealed inside tea packets stored in dozens of sacks.

He added that all crew members, identified as one Thai national and four Myanmar nationals, lacked legal travel and sailing documents.

"These facts confirm that the Aungtoetoe 99 was used as a means of cross-border narcotics smuggling, posing a serious threat to the security and health of the Indonesian people," Saptoadi said, noting that the case was assisted by the local customs and excise office.

Under Indonesia's strict drug laws, those involved in drug-related crimes face severe penalties, ranging from five years' imprisonment to the death penalty. Enditem