Student tried for trafficking Ecstasy

JAKARTA (JP): A student appeared in the Central Jakarta District Court, Friday, charged with trafficking 120 Ecstasy pills.

The 21-year defendant, a resident of Gang Puri Mas in Gambir subdistrict, was arrested in May while counting the Ecstasy pills in a car, prosecutor Astoeti told the court.

"He was about to sell the pills to two friends," she said.

Police said the suspect bought the pills from a friend named Andi for Rp 39,000 each. He was planning to sell them for Rp 40,000 each, the prosecutor said.

The suspect is charged under the 1992 Health Law which prohibits the production and distribution of dangerous drugs not registered with the Ministry of Health.

The offense carries a maximum 15 years jail and a fine of up to Rp 300 million (US$130,000).

As Ecstasy does not fall under the definition of narcotics, those found in possession or guilty of trafficking cannot be prosecuted under the 1976 Anti-Narcotic Law under which the maximum penalty is death. (07)