Foreigner arrested for heroin possession

JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested a Nigerian at Hanover Hotel in Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta on Monday for allegedly possessing 100 grams of heroin, an officer said.

Capt. Gusti Ketut Gunawa of the Jakarta Police detectives unit identified the suspect as Christian Chinedu alias John Osagie.

"Chinedu was arrested after he offered the heroin to an undercover detective," Gusti said, adding that Chinedu had been under police surveillance since his arrival in the city two weeks ago.

Gusti said that Chinedu, allegedly a member of an international drug syndicate, was listed as wanted by the police.

It is believed he has links with local drug traders, Gusti said.

However, Chinedu denied ownership of the heroin, estimated to have a street value of Rp 19 million. "It's not mine. It belongs to Roy, my friend," he said.

Chinedu said it was his first visit to Jakarta. "I've never traveled here before."

Chinedu is being detained at city police headquarters for further investigation. (emf)