Man arrested with heroin

JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested a man in front of the Golden Truly department store on Jl. Tendean in South Jakarta for allegedly possessing 250 grams of heroin.

City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday the suspect, identified as Eli Puka Purba, 34, was arrested about 9 p.m. Saturday during a South Jakarta Police operation.

"His car and other vehicles which passed along the street were stopped by officers during the operation. The drugs were found in (the suspect's) jacket when he and his two companions were frisked by officers."

Aritonang said the suspect's two companions, identified as Rahkmat, 21, and Samsudin, 22, were questioned as witnesses in the case.

"Officers found nothing on the two men."

Purba has been detained at South Jakarta Police precinct for further questioning, he said.

He is to be charged under Article 78 of the 1997 Narcotics Law for possessing a narcotic. It carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and Rp 500 million (US$100,000) in fines. (cst)