HONG KONG: Hong Kong National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has seized more than 800 kilograms of methamphetamine delivered from Guangzhou, China and nabbed a suspected drug dealer after a nearly three-year surveillance operation here the other day.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old WCP, a Chinese national, is suspected of being a member of an international drug ring operating in China and Southeast Asia. WCP is wanted in seven countries: Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, US, Myanmar and Indonesia.
“We have been tracking him down for three years and at last we’ve arrested him with the evidence,” BNN spokesman Sr. Comr. Sumirat Dwiyanto told The Customs Today here the other day.
WCP was arrested in a raid inside a shopping mall complex in Kalideres, West Jakarta. During the raid, the agency also arrested CHN, SEP and TSL, who are also Chinese nationals based in Hong Kong, one Malaysian and four Indonesians; FF. SL, SYD and ADK.
BNN officials also seized 840 kg of methamphetamine concealed in coffee containers stored inside the mall.
Sumirat said the confiscated methamphetamine was considered to be of the highest quality.
WCP has been living in the country for the past 15 years and is married to an Indonesian from Surabaya.
BNN received a tip-off last year that WCP was trying to smuggle 500 kg of methamphetamine.
Sumirat said WCP was meticulous in conducting his operation, having purchased a house and speedboat two years ago as part of his preparations.
Following the arrest, the BNN said it would carry out another operation to nab the syndicate’s other members.
“We will raid the suspect’s apartment, warehouse and boat to find more evidence,” Sumirat said, adding that the suspects could face the death penalty if convicted.
BNN head Sr. Comr. Anang Iskandar said drug syndicates had taken advantage of the country’s porous maritime borders.
“Drug syndicates see an opportunity here. We will boost security in our seas,” Anang said.
In 2013, the agency arrested two Iranians in Sukabumi, West Java, for possession of 70 kg of methamphetamine. The illegal drugs were smuggled through the province’s southern coast.
In November last year, the agency also arrested three Chinese citizens in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, for the possession and storage of 157 kg of methamphetamine. The drugs were being shipped from China to the country on a ship.
The BNN declined to disclose the value of the confiscated drugs, saying that they were only worth something to those who used them.