Drug dealers busted with 'shabu-shabu'

Drug dealers busted with 'shabu-shabu'

JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives have apprehended two
alleged dealers of amphetamine-derivative shabu-shabu and
confiscated 100 grams of the drug with an estimated street value
of Rp 35 million (US$4,666).

The suspects -- identified as A. Liong, 29, alias Hasan, and
Tjin Pit Mun, 40, alias Abun -- were apprehended at the former's
house on Jl. Batu Ceper V in Central Jakarta on late Friday
night, head of the city police Narcotics Detective Unit Lt. Col.
Abdullah said on Saturday.

A. Liong was on a police suspect target list because he was
often spotted distributing shabu-shabu in several discotheques in
Central Jakarta, Abdullah said.

"We followed the two from the Buana Hotel in Central Jakarta
and waited until A. Liong showed the substance to Abun," Abdullah
said.

Both suspects are now in custody for further investigation as
police continue to try to build a case to net other dealers.

A. Liong, who was presented to reporters by the police,
admitted he started selling the drug two months ago after
difficulties with his regular business.

"My occupation was buying and selling used mobile phones, but
as it turned to be slow lately I took up my friend's offer to
help him sell his goods."

Asked from whom he obtained the substance, A Liong said "Eddy
from Kalimantan" without giving further details.

On Thursday, city police also arrested three dealers believed
to be members of a drug trafficking syndicate.

They were picked up at Astika Hotel in West Jakarta.

Police confiscated 1.5 ounces of shabu-shabu, Rp 30 million in
cash and two automatic handguns. (emf)