Teenager jailed for selling drugs

JAKARTA (JP): Sixteen-year-old Faisal, alias Isal, was sentenced yesterday by the Central Jakarta District Court to two years and eight months imprisonment for drug trafficking.

The defendant was found guilty by the panel of judges, led by Judge Prasanca, of illegally transporting 52 kilograms of marijuana from Medan to Jakarta.

Prosecutor T. Zakaria had earlier demanded that the court sentence Isal, a drop out of junior high school, to four years imprisonment.

The verdict said Isal carried the contraband together with three other people on Nov. 16, 1993, in a rented Mercedes Benz sedan. The car, which was equipped with fake license plates, was driven by Faisal.

Reportedly, one of Faisal's three accomplices was his own father.

The marijuana was packed by the four men into two duffel bags and two plastic bags, and was then placed in the back of the car.

In reply to a question from the judges whether he will appeal to high court, the defendant said he has to discuss the matter with his lawyer.

By law, defendants are given seven days to appeal. (has)