Joint Task Force Intensifies Raids at Jakarta Narcotics Prison
The Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas) for the Special Region of Jakarta, alongside a joint task force, has intensified raids at the Jakarta Class IIA Narcotics Prison.
“On Thursday (17/9) night, we conducted an incidental or sudden raid, carried out as a joint operation,” stated the Head of the Jakarta Ditjenpas Regional Office, Wachid Wibowo, in Jakarta on Friday.
Wachid noted that 110 officers were deployed, involving various law enforcement agencies and related institutions. The raid included teams from the Directorate of Security and Intelligence of the Directorate General of Corrections, the Jakarta Narcotics Class IIA Prison staff, the East Jakarta Metro Police, the local Koramil (Military Command), the East Jakarta City National Narcotics Board (BNNK), and Brimob (Mobile Brigade) units.
Prior to the search, all officers participated in an assembly to ensure personnel readiness and the proper execution of the raid.
Wachid explained that the deployment of the joint task force was intended to strengthen inspections and ensure that activities were carried out thoroughly within the prison environment.
The raid targeted the residential areas of the Jakarta Class IIA Narcotics Prison, which currently houses over 2,000 inmates convicted of narcotics-related offences.
“During the raid, we are grateful that no drugs or illegal communication devices were found. We also engaged in dialogue with the inmates, who stated they do not use drugs, which was proven by our findings during the raid,” Wachid explained.
Officers did discover several metal objects that are restricted within the residential area, such as metal spoons and small scissors. Wachid stated that these items have been secured and will be dealt with according to applicable regulations.
In addition to the searches, the joint task force conducted urine tests as part of the raid proceedings. Fifty inmates were randomly selected to undergo urine testing, which was administered by the East Jakarta BNNK.
“We also conducted urine tests for both officers and inmates, and all results were negative. Specific tests were also conducted for security officers who interact directly with inmates and provide services; all results were negative,” said Wachid.
This joint raid is part of the action programme of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections and follows the directives of the Directorate General of Corrections. “This is certainly to create a prison environment that is free from drugs and illegal communication devices,” Wachid concluded.