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)