Man tried for drug possession

TANGERANG: A 20-year-old man was tried at the Tangerang District Court on Tuesday on charges of possessing 1.8 grams of heroin.

Prosecutor Ferry Silalahi said the defendant, Junaedi alias Penyi, was arrested by the police at a Wartel (telecommunications booth) on Jl. Saleh Ali, Tangerang, on Aug. 15 after police got a call from a local resident who said that the defendant frequently sold drugs at the Wartel.

The police searched the suspect and reportedly found nine small packets containing 1.8 grams of heroin.

The defendant said that he obtained the heroin from a man called Babe, alias Dady, in Roxi, West Jakarta, according to Ferry.

The prosecutor charged the defendant with violating Article 78 of Law No. 22/1997 on drugs. The article carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.--JP

Presiding judge Tukiran Sudirman adjourned the session until next Tuesday to hear witnesses.