Legend-Aquarius

Indonesian authorities have busted a group of would-be meth smugglers aboard the 'Legend Aquarius' in the Riau Islands, just opposite Singapore, on July 13, 2024. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) discovered more than 100 kilos of methamphetamine aboard the landing ship off Karimun. Three supernumeraries - all Indian nationals with Singaporean residency permits - were allegedly responsible for chartering the ship, bringing the drugs on board and concealing them during a call at a private port in Johor Bahru. The 10 Indonesian crew members were not suspects in the investigation. The three people designed a special place to store drugs hidden on the ship's deck and placed them in a fuel container. The suspects were zip-tied and compelled to help the boarding team uncover and inventory the consignment of drugs. On July 17, the three Indian nationals were displayed at a press conference in orange jumpsuits and handcuffs, along with a tabletop covered by the narcotics. If they are convicted on smuggling charges, Indonesian law provides severe penalties, up to and including death by firing squad for the most extreme cases. The three suspects are all marine engineers with academic credentials, and had resided in Singapore for at least six years. The vessel's ultimate destination was in Australia. Report with photo and video: https://maritime-executive.com/article/indonesia-busts-indian-engineers-for-smuggling-100-kilos-of-meth