Police arrest drug dealer with 6000 Ecstasy pills
Police arrest drug dealer with 6000 Ecstasy pills
JAKARTA (JP): The city narcotics squad have arrested suspected drug dealer with 600 pills of the popular Ecstasy drug in his possession.
The head of the Jakarta narcotics squad, Lt. Col. Djoko Satrio, said yesterday that he expects to get several more suspects and more Ecstacy pills in the next few days.
"We pledge to continue our war against drug traffickers," City Police spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said.
The suspect was arrested on Thursday at the Duta Merlin shopping complex in West Jakarta, Capt. Immanuel of the narcotics division said.
The 22-year-old suspect was identified as Jemmy Roesli.
He was arrested while selling his pills. The buyer escaped, spokesman Iman said.
Police said that their informers said Jemmy had 2,000 Ecstasy pills for the unidentified man. The transaction was planned for the basement of the shopping center, Iman said.
"However, we only found 600 pills called Electric on him during the raid," he said.
One pill currently sells for Rp 50,000, Iman said.
Targets
According to Immanuel, Jemmy had allegedly sold the illegal drugs twice before.
"The first time he sold 200 pills and the second time 100 pills," Immanuel said.
"The suspect only took cash," Imannuel added.
Although Jemmy revealed nothing while being interrogated, officer Djoko said narcotics detectives will continue to trace the source of the Ecstasy.
"Please be patient and let us find other targets and this time they will be big fish," Djoko pledged.
Possessing and trafficking Ecstasy is illegal under Health Law No. 23 issued in 1992.
On Feb. 8, two men were arrested for possessing 257 Ecstasy pills. The pills were of different brands.
If found guilty, suspects face a maximum of 15 years in jail and a maximum fine of Rp 300 million.
Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is popular among young Indonesian adults and teenagers attending rave parties.
The drug can reportedly be purchased at certain discotheques and places frequented by the city's wealthy teenagers. Before it became popular, the drug sold for between Rp 100,000 and Rp 200,000 a pill.
Both Bali and Surabaya also have a thriving Ecstasy trade.
It is strongly believed that much of the Ecstasy found in Indonesia is being made locally. (bsr)