We have yet to name anyone as a suspect. We will release the information once the investigation is completed
Mataram, W Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Police in Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara are questioning the wife of a 41-year-old US national arrested in connection with the smuggling of a package containing marijuana.



"This examination is a part of our efforts to determine the origin of the contraband," said director of the West Nusa Tenggara Police's Drugs Division, Senior Police Commissioner Helmi Kwarta Kusuma Putra Rauf, in Mataram on Tuesday.



Police are continuing their investigation against the US national, identified by his initials as JD. He was arrested by a joint team from the West Nusa Tenggara Police and Mataram City Police on Friday (November 6, 2020).



"We have yet to name anyone as a suspect. We will release the information once the investigation is completed," Rauf said.



The surveillance of JD’s driver, identified as LS (32), a local citizen, put police on their trail, he informed.
Three hours prior to picking up JD in Lembar, West Lombok district, LS was allegedly spotted in a vehicle at one of the branches of a shipping company in Mataram. He was allegedly seen picking up a package there.



Afterwards, LS headed to pick up JD from a store in Lembar, from where both men were arrested. The package was seized from a backpack lying in the car.



When officials examined the package, they found marijuana in an envelope and three containers of liquid with some crystal-like particles.



JD told investigators that the contraband was sent to him by his in-laws from the Netherlands.



He also said they planned to smoke marijuana at his wife's birthday party, which was to be held at a resort in Sekotong, West Lombok district, Rauf informed.



The three bottles of liquid are still being tested in a laboratory and officials are yet to determine whether they contain any illegal substances or not, he added.



"We are still waiting for the lab test results, we will also disclose the information when we publicize the case," Rauf said.



JD and his wife are being interrogated, he said. JD is facing charges for violating Law number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. (INE)


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Translator: Dhimas Budi Pratama/Aria Cindy
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020