Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s navy has foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.3 tons of suspected ketamine into the country after intercepting a Tanzanian-flagged vessel off Riau Islands Province, a commander said Sunday.
Vice Adm. Denih Hendrata, commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command, said the operation began when the KRI Kerambit-627 warship inspected the MV King Sun off Tanjung Berakit on Thursday, August 6.
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“Inspection by officers found some 65 rucksacks, suspected to contain ketamine drug, with a total weight of 1.3 tons aboard the ship,” Hendrata said.
Officers escorted the MV King Sun to the Fourth Naval Region Command for further inspection of the vessel, documents and cargo to ensure no additional drugs were aboard.
The military estimated the seized drugs could be worth up to US$254.3 million, or 4.55 trillion rupiah, based on a potential retail price of 3.5 million rupiah per gram, Hendrata said.
The seizure could also have prevented as many as 6.5 million people from abusing drugs, he said, adding that the operation demonstrated the navy’s commitment to maritime security and combating drug smuggling.
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Translator: Fianda Sjofjan R, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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