Satpol PP destroys 1,336 G-class drugs in Pesanggrahan

Jakarta — The Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) of Pesanggrahan District, South Jakarta, destroyed 1,336 G-class drug tablets seized during operations in the Petukangan Selatan and Ulujami urban villages. “All the evidence was destroyed on site by submerging it in water,” said Rina, head of the Pesanggrahan District Satpol PP, in Jakarta on Friday. She said the enforcement action was based on reports and complaints from local residents who were uneasy about the transactions at several medicine stores in the area. The operation was conducted at three locations: Jalan Perdatam and Jalan Swadarma Raya in Ulujami, and Jalan Damai Raya in Petukangan Selatan. The seizure included G-class medicines without a doctor’s prescription consisting of Trihexyphenidyl (143 tablets), Remadol (575 tablets), Eximer (543 tablets), Tramadol (30 tablets) and Alprazolam (45 tablets). Based on field findings, buyers of these medicines included a wide cross-section of the public, from buskers to schoolchildren. The main factor driving the high demand was their very affordable price. “The price per tablet was very affordable, ranging from Rp4,000 to Rp5,000. In fact, the medicine could be bought in half-tablelet portions for Rp2,000, making it very easy for schoolchildren to buy with their pocket money,” Rina said. She added that administrative sanctions were issued in the form of a written statement not to repeat the act. “If they persist in selling medicines in contravention of regulations, they will face heavier legal sanctions through the judicial process,” Rina said. Therefore, residents, especially parents, are urged to more strictly monitor their children’s activities. Moreover, because of the very cheap price, parental supervision becomes the frontline in protecting children. “Make this Ramadan a month of goodness. Avoid negative behaviours that could harm oneself or others,” added Rina.