A passenger bound for Lombok via Super Air Jet was detained by Hang Nadim Airport authorities in Batam after being found with approximately 2.5 kilograms of substances suspected to be methamphetamine.
The arrest occurred around 1:30 PM when aviation security, customs, and airport police noticed suspicious content on the X-ray screen, leading to a thorough inspection and subsequent apprehension of the suspect, Hidayatullah, aged 28.
The suspect’s luggage, passing through the airport’s X-ray machine, raised immediate concerns among the vigilant airport security personnel, prompting further examination.
Upon inspection in the airport’s reconciliation room, authorities discovered 10 packets of the suspected narcotic weighing a total of 2,552 grams.
The owner of the luggage was sought out in the waiting area, identified, and taken into custody for questioning by customs officials where he confirmed ownership of the luggage.
The case will be further developed by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in Batam, with airport officials remaining on high alert to combat drug smuggling through air transport.
The apprehended passenger was initially scheduled to fly from Batam to Lombok before being intercepted by the authorities.
This incident underscores the rigorous security measures in place at Hang Nadim Airport, safeguarding passengers and ensuring the safety and security of air travel, which is critical for Singaporeans and international visitors using the airport as a travel hub.
In a significant airport security operation, Hang Nadim Airport’s personnel in Batam detained a passenger carrying a substantial quantity of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine. The swift action by airport authorities highlights their ongoing efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking activities and maintain safety in air travel.
Source : Metro Batam, JPNN (2023)
