Ex-cop arrested over drug

JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Police detectives arrested nine people, including a former police officer, for alleged drug- dealing, and seized Rp 360 million (US$32,700) worth of shabu- shabu (crystal methamphetamine) from their rented apartment in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta, on Thursday night.

Central Jakarta Police chief of detectives Comr. Angesta Romano Yoyol said a former police officer of the National Police Intelligence Unit was arrested along with eight friends in the apartment for possession of 1.5 kilograms of shabu, four bongs and four ecstasy pills.

Police also seized Rp 11.75 million in cash as evidence from the apartment.

"Four of the nine, including former officer Abbas Bachri (whose former rank was Adj. Sr. Comr.) are suspected drug- dealers. The remaining five suspects arrived later at the apartment, wanting to buy drugs," Yoyol told reporters on Friday.

"We got information from members of the public about these (alleged) drug-dealers. Abbas was arrested with Yuliarto, Rudiana, Firmansyah and Kusnadi."

Yoyol said later that night, Basri, Irna, Wisnu and Liem Oktavianus, arrived at the apartment seeking drugs, and were arrested as well.

"We are now hunting down Abbas's friend, whose initials are AS... this person is suspected of being a top-class drug dealer. Abbas says he got the drugs from him, and the drugs are pure shabu," Yoyol said. (ylt)