Jakarta, Dec. 6 -- An integrated task force stationed at the private airport of PT Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) in North Maluku foiled an attempt to smuggle illegal nickel on Friday (Dec. 5).

In a statement issued by the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH) and received by ANTARA on Saturday, authorities said they arrested a foreign national carrying five packs of nickel powder and four packs of refined nickel powder.

The suspect was detained while preparing to board a Super Air Jet flight from Weda Bay (WDB) to Manado (MDC).

Officials did not provide further details on the arrest or the suspect's motive. The individual is in custody and being questioned for further information.

The airport security tightening follows...