A Malaysian boat reportedly caught carrying an estimated 30 tons of ammonium nitrate has sparked an investigation in Bali to search for terror links.
The ammonium nitrate was confiscated by Bali police off the east coast of the island and six suspects have reportedly been taken in.
Bali Customs says the chemical compound is a fertilizer but can be an ingredient in explosive materials, which is why police are investigating if there’s a terror plot in relation to this discovery.
“This is some kind of fertilizer and on its own there’s not a problem but once it is mixed it can be used as an explosive,” ABC Australia quoted Husni Saiful, the head of Bali Customs, as saying.
There were 1,500 sacks of ammonium nitrate aboard the boat, which was actually bound for Sulawasi, according to police.
The chemical compound is also used in blast fishing, according to Saiful.
The boat did not have permission to enter Indonesia, police said.
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