Police Deny Releasing Drug Suspect in Maros for Rp75 Million

The head of the Narcotics Investigation Unit at Maros Police Resort, Iptu Asri Arif, has denied information that a drug case suspect was released in exchange for an alleged Rp75 million. “We have checked the police report data and investigation administration. The results show no drug case with the chronology, suspect, or amount of money as rumoured. The member named as receiving the money is also not among our personnel,” said Asri in his statement on Sunday (19/4). According to Asri, all handling of drug cases at Maros Police Resort is carried out in accordance with procedures, from the investigation process, case review, to the transfer of files to the prosecutor’s office. “We emphasise that it is not true,” he said. Asri explained that they found no record of an arrest matching the details of the circulating allegations. “We remain focused on our work. If there is a member involved in wrongdoing, please report it with clear evidence to Propam. But for this issue, we assure you there is no such case,” he clarified. Regarding drug users who are not detained in the police station cell, Asri Arif, who has been in the position for about a week, explained that this is part of implementing rehabilitation for narcotic users who meet the criteria. Asri explained that this handling is carried out through coordination with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) via an integrated assessment process. “Perpetrators categorised as addicts or victims of abuse, not dealers or kingpins, are directed to undergo rehabilitation. The decision is based on recommendations from the integrated assessment team involving medical and legal elements,” he revealed. This step, according to Asri, refers to Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, which regulates rehabilitation for certain users. “We urge the public not to easily believe unverified information, and we reaffirm our commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in Maros Regency,” he concluded.