Cop nabbed for alleged blackmail

JAKARTA: A policeman was captured by detectives for allegedly blackmailing a drug user.

Central Jakarta Police chief of detectives Comr. Angesta Romano Yoyol confirmed the arrest.

"The policeman has been under arrest since Monday. He is a low-ranking member with the Menteng Police," he said.

Police sources said the policeman, identified as Saut Siagian, was apprehended by detectives of the National Security division of Jakarta Police Headquarters after the drug user filed a report.

The drug user, who was arrested earlier at a cafe in a plush hotel in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, told police that the officer had asked for Rp 10 million (US$1,183) to suspend his arrest.

Menteng Police chief Comr. Syahardiantono denied that a subordinate of his had been arrested.

"I have no subordinate called Saut Siagian. We have Saut Hutabarat and Marulak Siagian. But they are still here and working as normal," he told reporters. -- JP

;JP;BBY;Tempointeraktif; ANPAj..r.. Focus-ginseng-fatalities Four die after drinking party JP/8/G-DRUNK

Four die after drinking party

BEKASI: Four residents of Setia Dharma village, Tambun, Bekasi, died after drinking a blend of beer and ginseng at a party on Sunday.

The latest fatality was Anto, 23, who died on Wednesday at the Mustajam Tambun Hospital in Jati Mulya. Seven others are still being treated in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Supriyadi, one of the residents, said the village was celebrating the anniversary of a radio station on Sunday. While dangdut singers entertained residents, a group of young men gathered at a security post to drink the beer and ginseng mixture.

"I had a severe headache and my eyesight was hazy the following morning," Supriyadi said.

Supriyadi said he went to a doctor who, suspecting he had alcohol poisoning, told him to go to the hospital.

Bekasi Police chief Sr. Comr. Bachtiar Tambunan said an investigation was underway. The police have confiscated eight liters of the beer and ginseng drink as evidence. -- JP