Howard backs heroin bust despite death penalty threat

BEIJING - Australian Prime Minister John Howard has backed a joint Australian-Indonesian police operation that led to capture of nine Australians on heroin charges on which they could face the death penalty.

The eight men and one woman were arrested by Indonesian authorities after an Australian Federal Police investigation dating back to February.

Indonesian authorities seized 11.25kg of heroin and have warned the Australians could face a firing squad if convicted.

Five were arrested at Bali airport while waiting for a flight to Sydney and the other four were held at the departure lounge allegedly with bags of heroin strapped to their bodies, Indonesian police said.

Mr Howard praised the Australian and Indonesian police, but said he had no prior knowledge of the operation.

"I didn't know anything about it, and nor should I, until the people were arrested," he said.

"It is normal for the Australian Federal Police to co-operate with the Indonesian police if they have reason to believe that people have broken the law.

"I would always encourage the Australian Federal Police to co-operate with their counterparts in neighbouring countries in the apprehension of suspected drug offenders."

Mr Howard said the only details he knew of the case were that nine people had been arrested and that they were entitled to a presumption of innocence.

"I hope they will be dealt with fairly and justly by the process," he said.

"The charges are very serious ... this is a matter though for the courts and the Indonesian authorities.

"I endorse very strongly indeed cooperation between Australian Federal Police and the Indonesian authorities in trying to track down people who are trafficking in drugs."

Mr Howard would not answer when questioned if the Australian police work could see the nine face the death penalty in Indonesia.

"I'm not going to make comments that will in anyway bear upon this case. That would be inappropriate," he said.

- AAP