Housewife says pot was for cooking

TANGERANG (JP): A housewife was arrested for growing 10 marijuana plants in four pots in her yard at Binong housing complex in Curug district here on Wednesday, police said.

The well-tended plants, which were about 1.5 meters high, were seized by Tangerang Police as evidence.

The woman, identified as Eny Yusnaniar, initially refused to answer questions about the plants.

She eventually told the police that she grew the marijuana to be used in cooking.

"So it is not for sale... I used it only as a cooking spice," Eny said tearfully.

When police told her she could be charged for growing an illegal plant, Eny pleaded to be released to take care of her young children.

Police officers were not moved by her appeals.

"She is at fault because marijuana is categorized as a psychotropic drug. The case will be further investigated," said First Lt. Kustanto, chief of the narcotics unit.

A conviction for storing, possessing or using marijuana carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail and Rp 250 million fine. (41/edt)