Zarima's easy escape

The case of Zarima, a television actress suspected of trafficking the drug Ecstasy, has left many people wondering. The police succeeded last Thursday in seizing Zarima and 29,667 Ecstasy pills, only to see her escape with ease the following day.

From the very beginning several things were odd, including the fact that Zarima was arrested by Tangerang police at her home, which is outside of their jurisdiction. And why was Zarima allowed to stop off at her house to take a shower while she was being brought by police escort to the headquarters of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police?

As the seasoned head of Tangerang's Police Investigation Department, Capt. Ade Setiana should have been aware of simple escape tricks. How could he let Zarima escape right from under his nose? It is up to the same police to find out what was behind her escape. It could have been mere neglect, but considering the fact that a drug syndicate may be involved, it is possible that there is more to it.

The authorities have their hands full trying to put an end to the trafficking, distribution and use of Ecstasy. President Soeharto himself has ordered that the drug problem be tackled seriously. And now, after so much effort, an individual caught with tens of thousands of the pills has easily given the police the slip.

-- Republika, Jakarta