Indonesian Authorities Intercept Drug Shipment on Singapore-Flagged Vessel

Three Indian nationals have been detained by Indonesian authorities on a Singapore-flagged ship for carrying drugs to Brisbane. Acting on a tip-off, the cargo vessel Legend Aquarius was intercepted. The authorities revealed that the drugs were loaded at a private port in Johor Bahru by the detainees. Investigations are ongoing.

Indonesian authorities have detained three Indian nationals on a Singapore-flagged ship for allegedly carrying drugs to Brisbane. Acting on a tip-off, officials intercepted the Legend Aquarius in the Pongkar waters of Karimun district, approximately an hour from Singapore by ferry.

The vessel, manned by 10 Indonesian crew members including the captain, was found carrying drugs believed to be owned by the three Singapore Permanent Residents of Indian origin. Police commissioner-general Marthinus Hukom stated that the trip had been commissioned by the accused.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore confirmed the detention and is working with the vessel's owner to clarify the situation. Indonesian authorities received the tip-off from unidentified public members and assert the crew were not involved in the crime. The maximum penalty for drug trafficking in Indonesia is death.

(With inputs from agencies.)