Manager of 20-hectare cannabis plantation in Empat Lawang arrested

Palembang (ANTARA) - South Sumatra Regional Police arrested a man suspected of managing a cannabis plantation spanning approximately 20 hectares in Empat Lawang Regency.

Director of Narcotics Criminal Investigation at South Sumatra Police, Senior Commissioner Yulian Perdana, in Palembang on Thursday, stated that the suspect, initialled PD (48) alias Pinhar, played a central role in a cross-province cannabis distribution network.

“The suspect acted as the landowner, managed seedling cultivation, and controlled distribution across regions,” he said.

The case was uncovered through a joint operation between the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Directorate of South Sumatra Police and the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Unit of Empat Lawang Police Resort, following reports from the public about suspicious activities in the hilly area of Batu Jungul Village, Muara Pinang Subdistrict.

During the initial investigation, officers faced resistance from the perpetrator, including an assault on the Intelligence and Community Guidance Unit Head of Empat Lawang Police Resort.

After further development, the suspect was arrested by officers on Thursday (23/4) in the Palembang bus terminal area, Jalan Gubernur Hasan Bastari, along with evidence of cannabis ready for distribution.

Subsequent searches at the suspect’s residence in Batu Jungul Village revealed approximately 20 kilograms of dried cannabis ready for sale and four motorcycles suspected to have been used in narcotics distribution activities.

Based on in-depth questioning, investigators found documents of land ownership and maps indicating a cannabis plantation of approximately 20 hectares in the hilly area.

“The land was managed through a profit-sharing cooperation system with the community, each receiving 50 percent,” he explained.

Overall, the total evidence seized in this case amounted to approximately 220 kilograms of dried cannabis ready for sale, described as one of the largest discoveries in the jurisdiction of South Sumatra Police.

For his actions, the suspect is charged under Article 111 paragraph (1) of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics or Article 609 paragraph (1) of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, with a maximum penalty of the death sentence or life imprisonment.