Two Malaysians arrested in Batam

BATAM, Riau Islands: Two Malaysians, Abdul Wahab and Zulkifli bin Jamal, were arrested in a hotel in the Jodoh area of Batam allegedly in possession of 79 ecstasy pills, according to the Barelang police drug unit on Monday.

Chief of the drug unit, First Adj. Comr. Sugeng Wicaksono said on Tuesday that the two suspected ecstasy dealers were suspected by the police since their arrival in Batam on March 19 at the International Ferry Terminal, Batam Center.

"After conducting further investigations, our suspicions were proven. They were selling ecstasy at discotheques in Batam," Sugeng stated, while adding that the suspects confessed to buying the pills in Johor Baru, Malaysia.

Sugeng said the two might have more ecstasy than that which was found by the police. During their two-day stay in Batam, their third such trip to the island, police believed they had sold many pills.

"Now the two of them are still in detention. They're waiting for their lawyers before further police questioning can take place," Sugeng said. -- JP