Trial of alleged drug dealer underway

JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court commenced on Monday the trial of a man identified as Shd, 34, who was arrested last October for being in possession of 1.56 kilograms of marijuana.

Prosecutor Sartani charged the defendant under the psychotropic law, which carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

The prosecutor told the courtroom that the defendant had purchased the marijuana from a man called Agus for Rp 2 million (US$224) per kilogram.

"The defendant sold it for Rp 2.2 million a kilogram," Sartani said.

The defendant, who was arrested at Pondok Indah housing estate, South Jakarta, claimed he had not sold drugs before his deal with Agus.

Presiding judge Kus Riyanto adjourned the trial until next week. -- JP