Ex-serviceman arrested over drugs

Ex-serviceman arrested over drugs

JAKARTA (JP): Three people, including one ex-serviceman and a woman, have been arrested during an anti-narcotic drive launched by city police over the weekend.

The main suspect, a former member of the Red Berets, identified only as Zai, 52, was arrested at his residence on Jl. Sedap Malam, Kramat Soka, Central Jakarta on Friday, Antara reported Saturday.

Police also arrested SM, a 24-year-old woman, and Sat, 49, for their alleged roles in drug dealings with Zai.

During the drive, code named wallet (swallow), the police confiscated 11,000 barbiturate pills from Zai and his two accomplices, said Capt. Marsidi, head of operation unit of the city police.

The suspects told the police they obtained the pills from drug dealers in Bogor, Bandung and Jakarta, Marsidi said.

Police assume the suspects have dealt in drugs for a long time and believe their network has reached Surabaya, East Java.

"We are still developing the suspects' confession. We hope we can find out about the larger network from them," said Marsidi. (sur)