TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Law and Human Rights Minister Amir Syamsuddin said that he was shocked by the recent discovery of a meth lab within the walls of Cipinang Prison, which--ironically, is a correctional facility for drug offenders. He said that this is a blaring alarm that cannot be taken lightly and must be addressed immediately. Amir added that this discovery suggests that similar practices might be happening in other penitentiaries.
"We were slapped awake by this. At first, there were only indications that drugs were only distributed [in prisons]. But now we find out that they are actually producing. This is a red light," he said.
The minister said that there is an increase in drug-dealing activities. When asked about how to resolve this issue, he said that he is leaving it in the hands of the police force and the National Narcotics Agency.
A number of substances suspected to be the ingredients to make crystal meth have been found in the prison's working garage. The National Police's Forensics Lab released its examination result and announced that they found traces of methamphetamine and amphetamine.
This discovery is the second blow to the Cipinang Prison. Last week, drug kingpin Freddy Budiman was reported to have smuggled crystal meth while being transferred into the prison.
ALI AKHMAD
