Sugar smuggling continues in N. Sumatra

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Despite continuing raids, sugar continues to be smuggled into North Sumatra from neighboring countries.

Smugglers and buyers are believed to be making their deals several miles out from the Tanjung Nibung Port in Tanjung Balai, Asahan regency, to avoid raids by security authorities and customs officers.

Local brokers and fishermen say they have reported the smuggling to security authorities but no action has been taken.

"The smuggled sugar is brought in aboard canoes at night to avoid officers," said a local broker who declined to be identified.

The price of local sugar has dropped slightly because of the inflow of sugar brought in illegally from Malaysia and Thailand. --Antara