Bali police nab alleged drug couriers

DENPASAR, Bali: Tabanan Police arrested two alleged drug couriers on Wednesday morning and seized at least 1.88 kilograms of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine) in Kediri, some 10 kilometers west of Denpasar, an officer said.

The drugs are believed to belong to one of the biggest drug dealers on the island, Bali Police chief of detectives Sr. Supt. Bambang Hendarso said.

"At around 12:45 a.m. police officers conducting a routine patrol spotted a blue BMW with license plate number DK 328 DO, which is known to be the car of Isak Thayeb, a Kuta-based silver jewelry exporter.

"Isak has been on our list of alleged drug dealers for quite a few years," Bambang said.

Police searched the driver and passenger of the BMW, who were identified as Manan Surachman, 54, and his wife Rina Devianti, 51. The drugs were found in a small suitcase and a bag, he said.

Manan told police the drugs were not his and that a friend told them to deliver the package from Bekasi to Denpasar. The case is being handled by the Bali Police pending further investigation. (zen)