Prison guard questioned

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)