We are thoroughly probing into this case
Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA) - The East Java police are investigating several local policemen for their alleged involvement in the trafficking of crystal meth being sold in several cities in Indonesia by a drug ring in Sokobanah Village, Sampang District.

"We are thoroughly probing into this case," Sampang Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Budhi Wardiman told journalists at the East Java Police Headquarters here Wednesday. The investigation was being conducted after a joint-task force of the East Java police, military, as well as customs and excise uncovered the drug trafficking of Sokobanah Village's drug syndicate.

Meanwhile, the police confiscated more than 87 kilograms of crystal meth smuggled from Malaysia into Indonesia between September 2018 and July 2019, East Java Police Chief Inspector General Luki Hermawan said.

The Malaysian crystal meth was smuggled through the provinces of West Kalimantan or Riau before being transported to Sampang District in East Java Province while the drug syndicate in Sokobanah Village would distribute the crystal meth to other cities.

"From this Sokobanah Village, this crystal meth is then dispatched to various provinces across Indonesia," he said.

In connection with this case, the East Java police had nabbed five suspects only identified by their initials SH (Jember District, East Java), NAH (Pontianak, West Kalimantan), as well as JH, S, and N (Sampang District, East Java).

The police investigators are continuing their attempts to uncover this drug case, including the alleged involvement of several policemen in Sampang District, he added.

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Indonesia remains under serious threat from drug dealers, as several individuals from its working-age population have been trapped in a vicious circle.

The National Narcotics Agency's (BNN's) report that some 50 Indonesians die of drug use every day has not yet deterred drug users in the country from consuming these banned substances.

Users of crystal methamphetamine, narcotics, marijuana, and other addictive drugs are from across communities and from distinct socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

Therefore, Indonesia is perceived by both domestic and transnational drug dealers as a potential market due to its huge population and millions of drug users. The value of the drug trade in the country is estimated to have reached nearly Rp66 trillion.

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Translator: a Malik Ibrahim, Rahmad Nasuti
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019