Two tried for heroin smuggling

TANGERANG (JP): Two Nepalese identified as Nar Badahur Tamang, 59 and Bala Tamang, 30, went on trial at Tangerang District Court on Tuesday for attempting to smuggle 554 grams of heroin into the country.

Prosecutor Lasiman said the men were arrested on July 29 this year at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport shortly after arriving on a Thai Airways flight from Islamabad, Pakistan.

"The two admitted to having been paid US$1,000 by a man called Some Ali to deliver the drugs by swallowing the heroin packages," the prosecutor said.

The airport's customs and excise officials arrested the men after being alerted by their suspicious behavior. The two were pale, sweating profusely and refused offers for assistance or a drink.

They were sent to Kramat Jati Police Hospital and given laxatives to discharge the packages, Lasiman said.

Nur Bahadur was found to be carrying 56 packages and Bala 17.

The total of 554 grams of heroin was taken to National Police Laboratory and sealed as evidence, Lasiman said.

"The two committed a flagrant violation of Narcotics Law No. 22/1997 which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison," Lasiman said.

Judge Satria adjourned the case until next week for witness testimony. (41/edt)