The confiscated crystal meth, also called "sabu-sabu", was packed in 24 bags
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Metropolitan Police's anti-drug squad personnel seized 23 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from a shopping mall in South Jakarta following the arrest of a suspect identified by his initials 'SS' (26), Wednesday evening. SS was nabbed in the follow-up of a police investigation into the drug case involving four members of an international drug ring recently arrested in Kampong Ambon, West Jakarta, Chief of the West Jakarta Drug Unit Adjunct Sen. Coms. Erick Frendriz said Thursday.

The confiscated crystal meth, also called "sabu-sabu", was packed in 24 bags, he said. However, he could not yet elaborate on the chronology of SS because investigators were still studying the modus operandi of this drug ring, he added.

The policemen who received a tip-off on drug trafficking near the Cengkareng Public Hospital conducted a raid and arrested a suspect only identified by his initials YG (20), according to West Jakarta Police Chief Coms Hengki Haryadi.

Following YG's arrest, three other suspects were apprehended. They were identified as ANJ (25), AM (29), and AJ (32), he said.

Indonesia remains under grave threat from drug traffickers, as several individuals from its working-age population have become embroiled in a vicious circle.

The National Narcotics Agency's (BNN's) report on some 50 Indonesians dying of drug use daily has failed to deter addicts.

People across communities and from distinct socio-economic and cultural backgrounds use crystal methamphetamine, narcotics, marijuana, and other addictive drugs.

Hence, 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 drug trade in the country is estimated to have reached nearly Rp66 trillion.

In response to the illicit drug trade over the past few decades, the Indonesian government continues to take punitive action against them.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo had also issued shoot-at-sight orders against drug traffickers.

However, drug felons remain undeterred and continue to treat Indonesia as one of their key markets even as law enforcers continue to wage their war. (INE)
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Translator: Devi NSR, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
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