Sugar smuggling continues in N. Sumatra

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