JAKARTA. National Narcotics Agency (BNN) director of investigations Brig. Gen. Benny Mamoto warned people that his agency suspected that there might be drug dealers among the asylum seekers who were recently spotted in various regions in the country.

“We highly suspect that these dealers are after the certificates that guarantee their immunity as asylum seekers before we uncover their real identities as drug dealers here,” Benny told The Jakarta Post on Thursday night.

When asked whether his agency’s analysis was made upon an actual case, Benny acknowledged that he couldn’t reveal more specific information as it might alarm the perpetrators.

“Right now, I’m warning the people remain vigilant whenever they see a group of foreigners in their village. Staying alert is the key,” he said.

Recently a boat full of people mainly from Middle Eastern countries like Iran and Afghanistan was stranded in South Sea waters. The boat’s passengers were en route to Australia to seek political asylum.

Earlier, another boat full of Middle Eastern migrants had also been spotted in the waters near Serang, attempting to make its way to Australia for the same reasons. (Dicky Christanto, The Jakarta Post)

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