Regent urges end of drugs trade

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Sikka Regent Paulus Moa urged all parties to help stop the distribution of illegal drugs here following the arrest of a number of locals involved in the use and distribution of ecstasy and shabu-shabu, which is an amphetamine-derivative.

Rumors of the existence of a drugs syndicate in the area backed by businessmen and police have been denied.

A number of sources said a businessman identified as Hok and a police officer were involved in bringing in the brand drugs Valentin and Paradis from Ujungpandang in South Sulawesi and Surabaya, East Java. Both Hok and the officer denied their involvement in the drugs trade.

"I used to sell lottery tickets but that has been banned," Hok said. (yac)