We didn't find human head in suspect's house: Police

JAKARTA (JP): Police have temporarily halted investigating a Cipondoh resident in Tangerang for alleged drug possession while the suspect, a chronic diabetic sufferer, receives treatment at Soekanto Police Hospital, an officer said on Friday.

Chief of the Jakarta Police detectives Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo told The Jakarta Post on Friday evening that Peter Poetronegoro would soon undergo a psychological test, as the 50- year-old -- who is believed to have a severe drug addiction -- might be suffering from a mental illness.

"We'll build up the case later and hope he can recover soon so that we can proceed with our questioning," Alex said.

Peter was apprehended early this month at his residence, following information received by police from neighbors that he often "showed off" guns to locals.

Police said they seized several grams of heroin, two gas- propelled guns and several air rifles from Peter's home.

But some local media here reported that detectives also seized gold bars, Rp 2 billion (US$278,000) and a human head.

The head, dressed with ritual offerings, such as flowers, together with the heroin, was found in Peter's refrigerator, Forum Keadilan weekly reported in its latest edition.

The magazine also said he was a presidential candidate for a party which was ineligible to participate in the recent general election.

Alex said he had read the media reports, but strongly denied the claims, saying his men had not discovered any such items.

"There were no gold bars, no cash and no ... human head."

He said Peter was arrested only for the alleged drug possession.

"Ownership of the gas-propelled guns and air rifles have not yet been processed because the suspect is still being treated at the police hospital in East Jakarta."

He said police suspected Peter had connections with major drug dealers in the capital and hoped he would help law enforcers bust the drug networks.

The Post correspondent in Tangerang, who recently visited the suspect's house, was told by neighbors that Peter was a good resident, a prominent donator and was building a large mosque in the area using some Rp 2 billion of his own funds.

They said Peter named the mosque after himself -- Al-Putra.

The residents discounted claims he was a drug addict.

None of the neighbors were able to specify Peter's business or profession.(emf/bsr/24)