Pakistani killed in drug operation

JAKARTA (JP): A city police detective shot dead a Pakistani national after he attempted to flee during a drug operation in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, on Friday night.

Police officers found on the man some 1.5 kilograms of first- class heroin, with a street value of some Rp 700 million (US$72,165).

The head of the Jakarta Police's narcotics unit, Sr. Supt. Abdullah, said the 37-year-old man, identified as Arsyad Majid, was believed by police to have smuggled heroin into the country on several occasions.

"He had been in Jakarta for a week, moving from one hotel to another, before we conducted the operation," Abdullah said.

The police report said undercover officers arranged to purchase some heroin from Majid on Jl. Martapura in Tanah Abang, but the suspect became suspicious and fled in a taxi.

When police succeeded in stopping the taxi, Majid attempted to flee on foot.

According to Abdullah, his men fired three warning shots in the air before firing at the Pakistani.

One bullet pierced the man's lung, killing him instantly. (jaw)