The crystal meth was packaged into capsules that the suspect, identified by his initials as MT, had inserted into his anus, Jakarta Metropolitan Police spokesman, Sen. Coms. Argo Yuwono revealed on Friday.
MT was arrested after the police received a tip-off on his arrival at the Soekarno Hatta International Airport's Terminal 1B, he noted, adding that the suspect had attempted to evade the airport security check by inserting the drug into his anus.
"After the police investigators apprehended him at the airport, he was then sent to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police's medical and health unit for releasing the crystal meth capsules from his body," he stated.
The crystal meth capsules weighed 226 grams. MT is under police custody for further investigation in a bid to unearth those supplying the drug.
The suspect is charged with Indonesian Drug Law Number 35 of 2009 making him liable to face death penalty, he stated.
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 daily of drug use has failed to deter addicts.
People across communities and 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 has continued to take punitive action.
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. Related news: 23kg crystal meth seized from Jakarta shopping mall
Related news: East Java's BNN confiscates 4.1 kg of crystal meth
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Fianda SR, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
