Kuta, Bali (ANTARA News) - Customs officers at Bali`s Ngurah Rai airport have caught South African national Nyolukana Nomakorinte Christabell (46) for trying to smuggle 1.050 grams of methamphetamine into the island.

"The suspect hid the illegal drug in her underwear and breast holder," chief of Ngurah Rai customs office I Made Wijaya said at a press conference here on Tuesday.

He said the suspect who works as a maid was arrested on Saturday (Sept 3, 2011) upon arrival at the airport aboard Qatar Airways flight QR0638 serving Doha-Singapore-Denpasar.

"We were suspicious of the Qatar Airways passenger`s movement when she was disembarking and had targeted her for special inspection," he said.

Following an X-Ray inspection officers` suspicion rose and finally decided to conduct body inspection when they then discovered the drug.

He said the customs service and the police then developed the case and based on it they discovered a new suspect known by her initials as RAR who is also a South African national.

He said the suspect obtained the drug from a couple she knew in Johannesburg who had asked her to bring it to Bali.

Wijaya said based upon estimates the drug was worth Rp2.1 billion.

He said the suspect could face a maximum death penalty and a fine of up to Rp10 billion if found guilty of violating Article 113 of Law Number 35 of 2009 on narcotics.

He said her case has now been referred to the Bali regional police command for further handling.
(Uu.H-YH/HAJM/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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