Police questioned about detainee

JAKARTA: Chief of Tanjung Priok Police subprecinct Comr. Budi Siswanto and his three subordinates were questioned by Jakarta Police's internal affairs unit in connection with the release of a suspect in a drugs case, an officer said on Wednesday.

City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said North Jakarta Police Sr. Comr. Andi Chaeruddin would likely be questioned too.

Budi, who had just been promoted to Depok Police deputy chief last month, reportedly asked Andi to sign the request for a temporary release of Jajat Santoso, alias Yahya.

Yahya was arrested on April 15, for possessing shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine). Yahya, known to be one of major drug suppliers in North Jakarta, was released on May 10.

The legal process, however, continued and when the prosecutors were about to bring the case to trial, the police were unable to locate Yahya.

Unconfirmed reports said Yahya's relatives provided Rp 200 million for the release. -- JP