Africans nabbed for drug trafficking

JAKARTA (JP): Three African men were arrested at Hotel Kristal on Jl. Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta on Saturday on suspicion of drug trafficking and counterfeiting.

Central Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Matius Salempang said police seized several grams of putauw (low-grade heroin), counterfeit US dollars, chemicals and printing equipment from the suspects, identified as Petrus Simbada, Kenjeri and Kato Awami Alain.

"We are still investigating any connection between drug trafficking and dollar counterfeiting," Matius said.

He said the suspects were nabbed following the arrest of a family of five on Jl. Kampung Bali in Tanah Abang earlier on Saturday on suspicion of selling putauw.

He said the family admitted to having purchased the drugs from the three Africans.

Police seized seven packets containing 0.5 grams of putauw each and Rp 773,000 in cash from the family, he said. (jun)