Liberian arrested with 100 grams of heroin

JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested a Liberian national allegedly involved in drug trafficking at Hotel Petamburan I, Central Jakarta, Thursday night.

The suspect, Prince F. Sioma, 29, was caught with 100 grams of first grade heroin after being under observation for about two months, chief of the narcotics detective unit Lt. Col. Abdullah H.S. said.

"Prince Sioma is believed to be a member of an international drug trafficking syndicate. We're currently searching for his accomplice, Tilli, who escaped the raid."

The drug has a street value of about Rp 40 million ($4,400). It was found in a brown paper bag strapped to his body with plastic tape, he said.

Police moved to apprehend the alien following reports alleging there were routine drug dealing activities at the hotel, he added.

"We put plainclothes officers inside the hotel to monitor Sioma's activity. About 7 p.m. Thursday, the suspect went to room No. 51, apparently for a transaction.

"Right after he went out of the room, we arrested him and found the heroin in a paper bag attached to his body."

Sioma initially resisted the arrest but then gave up. He claimed he bought the heroin from Tilli, who is also believed to be Liberian.

"We have some idea where Tilli is hiding," Abdullah said.

Sioma has been in the country for five months. He had stayed in Hotel Hanover in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, for the past month.

Abdullah said the police also assigned plainclothes officers and tight surveillance at Hotel Hanover because it was frequently used as a base for drug dealers.

On April 19, police arrested five Nigerians at Hotel Hanover for their alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking network, Abdullah said.

Last month, police shot a Nigerian-born American citizen, Dennis Michael, for resisting arrest at Jl. Blitar, Menteng, Central Jakarta.

Michael was detained with 50 grams of first class heroin, worth Rp 20 million, which was hidden inside his shoes.

The suspects will be charged under the Pyschotropics Law No. 5/1997, which carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a Rp 50 million fine. (edt)