Gold smugglers brought to court

SIDOARJO, East Java: The Sidoarjo district court began on Thursday the trial of three men -- identified only as YL (48), IE (40) and HD (42) -- accused of the attempted smuggling of 117 kilograms of pure gold to Hong Kong.

Antara said the court was presided over by Lanang Perbawa, while the chief prosecutor was E.T. Paembonan, who accused the three of attempting to export the gold without proper documents.

The attempt was foiled by customs and excise officers on Feb. 13, 1998, after a check-in clerk at the Juanda Airport in Surabaya alerted them when the defendants asked for excess baggage tickets without showing her any such extra baggage.

The gold was placed in six suitcases, which were at that time already in the international departure area. They were taken there by a porter identified only as Ach.

After failing to get the excess baggage documents, the defendants asked the porter to bring the suitcases back. The porter became suspicious and alerted security personnel. (swe)