Local couple arrested in Bali with 20,781 Ecstasy pills

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): A police narcotics squad in Bali in cooperation with custom officers has arrested two suspected drug dealers in possession of 20,781 Ecstasy pills.

The suspects, Issak Tayeb and a woman he says is his wife, Joulita, were arrested upon arriving at Ngurah Rai airport from Amsterdam on Friday.

A police source said that the authorities have long suspected the two. It is believed that Issak opened a furniture and silver souvenir shop as cover.

The police said they believe Issak is one of the island's major Ecstasy dealers. Issak reportedly went to the Netherlands a few months ago for a medical check-up.

The source said that the suspects tried to hide the pills inside a loudspeaker box.

The suspects reportedly bought the pills in the Netherlands for between Rp 7,000 (US$2.90) and Rp 40,000 each, depending on the type.

The police source also said that a police officer, who was suspected of cooperating with Issak and seen waiting for him at the airport, disappeared as soon he saw Issak was in trouble.

Possessing and trafficking Ecstasy is illegal under Health Law No. 23 issued in 1992.

If found guilty, the suspects could face up to 15 years in jail and a maximum fine of Rp 300 million.

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is popular among young Indonesian adults and teenagers.

The drug reportedly can be purchased at certain discotheques and places frequented by the city's wealthy teenagers. The drug is believed to have a street value of between Rp 100,000 and Rp 200,000 per pill.

The Ecstasy trade is also known to be thriving in Surabaya. (23/31)