Police shoot, kill alleged drug dealer

JAKARTA (JP): A 21-year-old suspected drug dealer was shot dead by police after allegedly resisting arrest in Pancoran, South Jakarta, early yesterday.

Police said A.R. Edi Andri had been on their wanted list for his alleged role in several drug-related crimes in the city.

"We finally had to shoot Edi because he ignored warning shots and tried to attack one of the officers with a knife," city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said.

The suspect died from a single shot to the head and his body was taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for a postmortem examination.

Aritonang said police were still looking for Edi's accomplice who apparently managed to flee during the arrest on Jl. Pasar Minggu Raya, just across from Pancoran Sate Restaurant, about 3 a.m. yesterday.

"We have a clear description of the man, who is also a drug dealer," he said. "That's why we hope that we'll arrest him soon."

Aritonang said police had been observing Edi closely for several days prior to the arrest.

"He has been involved in several drug transactions, particularly of putauw, the local name for third-grade heroin. He is also known as a drug pusher among youths in his neighborhood."

He said Edi and his accomplice were believed to have been on their way to meet a buyer when the fatal shooting took place.

A small package of putauw and the knife were seized as evidence, Aritonang said. (09/cst)