Prison guard questioned

JAKARTA (JP): A Salemba Prison guard is being questioned by the police for his alleged role in drug trafficking in the crowded penitentiary in Central Jakarta, an official said on Monday.

The head of the Jakarta regional office of the Ministry of Law and Legislation, Iman Santosa, identified the guard only as A.S.

"At the meantime, he's still our employee but he has been suspended until the investigation into his activities are completed," Iman told a news conference.

A.S. was questioned by the police following the arrest of two prisoners, Tommy, 35, and Irwan, 27, for drug possession at the prison in a raid on Friday evening, he added.

According to Iman, the two prisoners were apprehended along with 533 ecstasy pills and 15 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine).

The evidence was slightly different from the police report, which stated that the two men were also in possession of seven sedative pills, one anti-impotence Viagra tablet and drug paraphernalia.

During the meeting, Iman also explained that East Jakarta Police detectives were still questioning two guards at Cipinang Prison in connection to drug trafficking.

Iman claimed that the reason prison officers were able to become involved in trafficking was partly due to the low ratio of guards to prisoners.

For instance, Salemba Prison's official capacity is 750 prisoners, but it is home to 1,600 prisoners. They are watched over by only 15 guards in a shift, he said.

Iman suggested the central government build a special prison for drug traffickers since the number of drug cases had increased in the capital. (07)