Man tried for 'ganja' possession

JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor has asked Central Jakarta District Court to sentence a man to five years in jail for possessing three kilograms of ganja (marijuana).

Prosecutor Fatriza Muchtar said Thursday the defendant, Asep Sapaat Zaenudin, 30, was arrested on Nov. 30, last year on Jl. Kramat Pulo in Senen about 2 p.m.

"The defendant was arrested when he tried to return the marijuana to the owner, identified as Nurdin."

Fatriza said Nurdin went to the defendant's house two hours prior to the arrest, asking Asep to look after the marijuana and meet him later on the street.

Asep was arrested but Nurdin, who had been tailed by police officers, managed to escape, she said.

Asep allegedly violated Article 78 (1) of Law 22/1997 on narcotics.

Presiding judge Paimin Martoredjo adjourned the trial until next week to hear the defendant's plea. (jun)