Suspected Malaysian drug smuggler shot dead at fishing port in Indonesia

Indonesian authorities shot dead a Malaysian linked to an international drug ring in connection with the seizure of syabu weighing 14kg at a fishing port here last night.

The drug trafficker, identified only as Sahrir, was killed when he attempted to flee from a raid on a fishing boat mounted by Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) at the Muara Angke fishing port.

Seized from the boat were 14 packets of syabu weighing one kilogramme each, Malaysian and Indonesian currencies and several communication gadgets, said BNN deputy head of drug eradication (prevention) Arman Depari.

He told online media that Sahrir - one of six crew members of a fishing boat - was shot and killed when he tried to escape from the vessel which had docked at the port when the raiding party closed in.

The remaining crew members, all of whom were Indonesians, were detained to facilitate investigations, he added.

Arman said earlier, BNN had received a public tip-off on a drug-laden fishing boat from Malaysia which had entered Teluk Jakarta via the Sumatran waters three days ago.

Following information received, the BNN squad checked the boat as soon as it reached Muara Karang, North Jakarta about 11pm.

"This is the latest trend in drug distribution. Previously, drugs were transported using container ships but now, they are using fishing boats.

"We are in the midst of identifying the mastermind of the international drug ring," said Arman. -- BERNAMA