Police say Bali may turn into an Ecstasy market

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Bali police chief Maj. Gen. Benyamin L.S. Mamuaya predicts that the island, with its high traffic of tourists, may change from a "point of distribution of drugs" into one that markets Ecstasy.

Antara quoted the police chief as saying that thousands of tourists, local and foreign, stay for long periods in spots which are not easy to monitor.

"The local community or police don't know for sure what those tourists do in their lodgings," he said in a written statement, delivered by his deputy Brig. Gen. S. Bimantoro, in a seminar on drugs in Kuta, Wednesday.

"This creates a condition which is prone to illicit activities, and there's the possibility they could turn Bali into an Ecstasy market," he said.

The seminar was attended by 200 law enforcers, tourist officials, academics and community leaders.

Customs and excise authorities at Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar, found on Monday 29,295 Ecstasy tablets in two suitcases which had been left unclaimed for three months. It was the largest drug find in Bali this year.

The pills were in 10 plastic bottles. A third suitcase contained 231 vinyl records, 210 candles, 31 compact discs and some used clothing, the authorities said.

Since May, authorities in the Ngurah Rai Airport have foiled eight attempted drug runs, seizing 65,580 Ecstasy pills, 2.5 kilograms of hashish and 20 grams of marijuana. In May, airport authorities seized 20,781 Ecstasy tablets in a smuggling attempt. (swe)