Within A Day, Two Drug Smugglers From Kotabaru Prison Were Thwarted

JAKARTA - In one day, officers from the Class IIA Penitentiary (Lapas) in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, foiled an attempt to smuggle crystal methamphetamine in roll-on packages twice.

“Today is a historic achievement that we have done together with the ranks. Not only once, but twice to foil drug smuggling efforts into prisons," said Head of Kotabaru Prison Yosef Yembise in a written statement received in Jakarta, Friday, December 24.

The incident began with the suspicion of goods storage service officers against goods and food that were deposited via online motorcycle taxis. Based on the information, the driver looked nervous and hesitant when asked by officers regarding the identity of the safekeeper and the ID card of the original depositor of the goods.

The prison service officer immediately checked the deposited goods with the Main Gate Guard (P2U). After a very thorough examination, it was found that one package of narcotics was smuggled in a roll-on package.

Service officers immediately report their findings to the Head of the Guard, the Head of the Prison Security Unit, and the Head of the Lapas (Kalapas) who directly coordinate with the Kotabaru Resort Police (Polres) for follow-up and development.

Not long after, the Kotabaru Lapas goods safekeeping service officer, who was increasingly alert to the entry of prohibited items into the prison, again found a package of methamphetamine, which was smuggled back into a roll-on package.

Evidence in the form of two roll-on bottles and two small plastic clips in which it is suspected that methamphetamine was found were handed over to the Kotabaru Police Narcotics Investigation Unit for further investigation.

Yosef Yembise said that the failed attempt to smuggle crystal methamphetamine was the result of the hard work he and his staff had put in place for the commitment to eradicating drugs in the Kotabaru prison. the cessation of strengthening officers at the forefront of the Kotabaru prison, namely goods storage service officers and P2U.

"Our efforts are certainly part of the Three Keys of Advanced Correctional Services conveyed by the Director General of Corrections, namely early detection of security and order disturbances, eradicating narcotics trafficking, and synergy with law enforcement officers and related parties," said Yosef.

He also reminded his staff not to mess with drugs.

"If anyone is proven to be involved with drugs, then it won't take long for me to take immediate action," he said.