Kupang used as 'transit point'

Kupang used as 'transit point'

KUPANG, E. Nusa Tenggara: Many foreigners intending to enter
Australia illegally have used Kupang as an entry point because of
its proximity, police said.

Kupang Police Chief Lt. Col. Yeremias Sooai said many
syndicates had used Kupang to smuggle people from Sri Lanka, the
Middle East and Vietnam into Australia, Antara reported.

Police this week arrested 22 people from Sri Lanka because
they had misused their stay permits in Indonesia.

They were planning to travel from Lasiana beach to Australia
in a motor boat, police believe.

"We are still searching for the agent, who fled as soon as we
made the arrests," Yeremias said.

The Sri Lankans are now awaiting deportation.

Previously, local police also arrested 16 people from Iran and
Turkey before they could leave for Australia. (09)