Bali Police solve 56 drug cases

DENPASAR, Bali: Bali Police have solved 56 drug cases and 98 cases of vehicle theft, police chief Brig. Gen. I Wayan Ardjana said on Monday.

Speaking at a news conference, Ardjana said that 64 suspects, including three foreigners, were arrested for keeping, possessing or trafficking narcotics. "We also arrested another 50 criminals for vehicle theft."

According to Ardjana, 8.2 grams of heroin, 1,968 grams of marijuana, 832.2 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), 2,020 ecstasy pills and 91 vehicles were confiscated from the suspects.

He said he believed that the drug suspects were members of highly professional international syndicates.

Ardjana, however, expressed disappointment with the achievement of his men in solving vehicle thefts. "There were 286 thefts reported, but we solved only 98. This was because of the fact that the thieves are more professional."

He said the police had identified three vehicle theft rings, the Jember-Banyuwangi group, Pasuruan and Bali groups.

Jember, Banyuwangi and Pasuruan are towns located on the eastern tip of East Java. (zen/sur)