Bali on high terror alert after chemical discovery
Police have seized almost 30 tonnes of a chemical used in the devastating Bali bombings in 2002 during a gunpoint arrest.
A ship carrying the 30 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was impounded by Indonesian customs in Bali on Thursday with the crew detained.
The chemical, widely used for fertilisers, is highly prized by terrorists who use it to form a very powerful explosive, including in last week’s attacks in New York.
“(Ammonium nitrate) can be very dangerous. It only needs about 5 per cent of oil – or carbon source – and it forms a very powerful explosive.” ** said.
The boat left Malaysia on September 12, stopping at Batam and Sumenep, before being intercepted in waters to the north of Bali.
Police, who raided the boat after a tip-off, are investigating whether the cargo has any possible links to terrorism.
The captain and his crew claim the chemical was to be used for blast fishing.
“For ammonium nitrate, you need clearance from the government. It can’t be imported without the proper procedures,” ** said.
It will be alleged the boat and crew did not have proper documentation to sail in Indonesia before it was boarded in the tourist town of Padangbai.
Indonesia police say they’ve seized almost 200 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in the past six months.
According to the SmartTraveller website, a high degree of caution should be used by travellers to Indonesia.
“We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the high threat of terrorist attack,” the warning said.
