High School Student in Bontang Arrested as Meth Courier, Police Hunt Supplier
The Bontang Police Narcotics Unit (Satresnarkoba) in East Kalimantan has arrested a 17-year-old high school student for his involvement as a courier in a methamphetamine trafficking ring. Police seized one packet of the narcotic from the student.
Bontang Police Chief AKBP Anak Agung Gede Wibowo Sitepu, through Narcotics Unit Head AKP Larto, stated on Monday that the arrest was the result of a follow-up investigation based on public information, which led officers to the suspected supplier.
‘We will continue to develop every piece of information we receive. The public’s role is crucial in breaking the chain of narcotics distribution. Do not hesitate to report any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood,’ he stressed.
He explained that the information received indicated suspected methamphetamine distribution in the Jalan Sutan Syahrir area, Tanjung Laut Village, Bontang. The Narcotics Unit acted on the report, and through investigation, officers apprehended the student, who is now classified as a child in conflict with the law (ABH). The student admitted to acting as a courier. Police also arrested another individual, identified as MFS (18), who was a dealer in the network.
‘We apprehended both of them in different locations after developing the case from the initial arrest of the ABH,’ Larto said.
During the operation, the team observed the student acting suspiciously while waiting for someone on a motorcycle on Jalan Sultan Syahrir, Tanjung Laut Village, South Bontang District. A search of the student uncovered a packet of methamphetamine with a gross weight of 0.33 grams, a mobile phone, and a motorcycle. The subsequent investigation led officers to MFS.
Following the student’s confession, police conducted a raid at a house on Jalan Pelabuhan I, Duyung Alley, where MFS resided, and arrested him without resistance. A search of the premises yielded another packet of methamphetamine weighing 0.30 grams, a suction device (bong), and IDR 400,000 in cash suspected to be proceeds from drug sales.
MFS, a recent high school graduate, admitted to obtaining the drugs from another individual, identified as M, a resident of Bontang. Police are now pursuing M, who is suspected of being the supplier to MFS, but the suspect remains at large.
‘We are currently conducting further examinations of both suspects, including how long they have been involved in this activity and their motives for distributing narcotics,’ Larto added.
Both suspects are charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, in conjunction with the Criminal Code and applicable penal adjustment regulations. They face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.