Suppliers of marijuana extend business in town

JAKARTA (JP): City police say that a number of large-scale suppliers of marijuana brought in from the northern tip of Sumatra are significantly expanding their distribution networks in Jakarta.

"Based on all data available, we have concluded that the large-scale agents are further extending their networks and sales of the contraband in the city," a reliable source at the drugs unit at city police headquarters told The Jakarta Post over the weekend.

According to the source, who asked not to be identified, city police are currently collecting valuable information from the public in order to get more accurate data about the marijuana suppliers.

"With strong support and cooperation from the public, we vow we will nab all of the suspects and confiscate material evidence in the next few weeks," he said.

Over the last few days, the city police drug units have successfully arrested at least seven suspects with a total of 14.7 kilograms of dried marijuana in their possession during three different raids in East, South and West Jakarta.

All of the suspects have been tight-lipped and refused to reveal the identities of their bosses and their networks.

City Police spokesman, Lt. Col. Bambang Permantoro, said the seven suspects are currently under intensive investigation.

Most of the dried marijuana leaves available in the city are brought in from Aceh through land and air transportation.

Police sources say that the contraband is mostly consumed by students in the city. Richer people normally use more expensive addictive drugs.

"We've learned that there are a number of well-organized marijuana syndicates now running their businesses in the city. This means that we have to step up our vigilance before planning more raids," the sources said.

He refused to go into further detail. (bsr)