JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Authorities seized US$440 million (€310 million) worth of amphetamines in a raid on an illegal factory in eastern Indonesia and arrested six people, including two Taiwanese, the national police spokesman said Tuesday.The drugs were destined for markets in Taiwan and mainland China, said Maj. Gen. Sisno Adiwinoto, adding that the bust at the weekend was made with help from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia and the United States.
At least 568 kilograms (1,250 pounds) of amphetamines valued at US$440 million (€310 million) were seized from laboratories on Batam island, together with several tons of raw drug-making chemicals, he said.
The two Taiwanese and the four Indonesians arrested will be charged with violating drug laws - a crime that carries a maximum penalty of death, he said.
Amphetamines are widely used across Indonesia. In recent years, criminal gangs have taken advantage of the country's poor law enforcement and rampant corruption to produce the drug for export.
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