"The pieces of evidence were confiscated in different places; in Pekanbaru and Jakarta,” said the Police deputy chief, Comm. Gen. Gatot Eddy Pramono, in a press conference in Merak, Banten, as quoted from Antara, on Wednesday, May 20.

The authorities said the drug syndicates planned to utilize logistical transportation to smuggle drugs from Sumatra to Jakarta during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The police's narcotics investigation unit, with assistance from the Bakauheni Port Security Unit (KSKP) and the South Lampung Police, managed to seize 66 kilograms of methamphetamine smuggled in a safe deposit box carried by PT AMP trucks, at the Bakauheni Port checkpoint, on Friday, May 8, 2020.

The shipment was addressed to the head office of PT Alidon Expres Makmur, Jakarta. "We arrested the suspect, RR (25), as Managing Director of PT Alidon Expres Makmur Jakarta and the recipient of the meth shipment," said Gatot.

Furthermore, Police received information that the Commissioner of PT Alidon, BP (DPO), has received 10 kilograms of crystal meth smuggled by PT Alidon Pekanbaru.

In addition, Police have also received information that another shipment, containing herbal food, addressed to PT Langkah Hijau, have also been used to smuggle five kilograms of methamphetamine by PT Alidon Jakarta staff, RY (DPK) and EA (packing staff).

Gatot revealed that Police have apprehended EA, and seized the five kilograms of the illicit drug, packed in boxes of flour. "We also arrested EA (22) as a suspect who was found to be responsible for packing the meth, on Sunday (May 8, 2020)," he added.

The suspects were charged with Article 114 Paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132, Paragraph 1 of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics and face life imprisonment.

ANTARA | Translator: DIO SUHENDA (Intern)