Tanjung Redeb Prison Officers Foil Methamphetamine Smuggling Attempt

The vigilance of officers at the Class IIB Tanjung Redeb Detention Centre in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, paid off on Wednesday (8/7) at around 11:45 WITA, when they foiled an attempt to smuggle a Category I narcotic. A male visitor identified by the initials DM, also known as D, aged 42, was caught trying to bring methamphetamine into the facility. Following the interception, the detention centre immediately handed the suspect over to the Berau Police Narcotics Unit, along with evidence including one packet of methamphetamine, a mobile phone, and a tote bag, for further legal proceedings.

Berau Police Narcotics Chief, Adjunct Commissioner Agus Priyanto, stated that the case was uncovered thanks to the sharp observation of the officers at the facility located on Jalan Murjani II, Karang Ambun Village. During a routine check, officers became suspicious of DM’s belongings as he intended to visit an inmate. An intensive search revealed a small packet suspected to contain methamphetamine hidden inside a white tote bag. The detention centre reported the discovery to the Berau Police Narcotics Unit at around 12:00 WITA, prompting officers to arrive at the scene to coordinate and collect the suspect and initial evidence.

The case was further developed by the Berau Police Criminal Investigation Unit, which conducted a search of DM’s residence in Gunung Panjang Village, Tanjung Redeb District. Accompanied by the local neighbourhood chief as a witness, police found additional evidence, including a methamphetamine bong, a lighter, and a purple methamphetamine scooping pipette. For his actions, DM now faces criminal charges under Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics.