Alleged Hoarding Of Azithromycin COVID-19 Drugs, West Jakarta Police Examine 2 Expert Witnesses Of The Ministry Of Trade

JAKARTA - Investigators from the Special Criminal Unit of the West Jakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit again examined two expert witnesses from the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) to investigate the suspected case of hoarding COVID-19 drugs.

"We are examining trade experts with experts from the Ministry of Trade," said Head of the Special Criminal Unit of the West Jakarta Metro Police, AKBP Fahmi Fiandri, as quoted by Antara, Monday, July 19.

By examining the two experts, investigators have examined a total of 10 witnesses related to the alleged drug hoarding case.

Finally, the police have examined a criminal expert from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) and six fact witnesses for information. However, of the many witnesses, the police have yet to identify a suspect.

"We don't have any obstacles in the investigation, we will adjust the time of the examination of experts and the ministry. As soon as we can name a suspect, just pray," said Fahmi.

Previously, members of the Special Criminal Unit of the West Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit raided a shop house unit on Jalan Peta Barat Indah III Block C Number 8, Kalideres, West Jakarta, Monday last week.

The three-story shophouse is suspected of being the location for the hoarding of thousands of boxes containing medicines needed by COVID-19 patients. One of those seized was 730 boxes of 500mg Azithromycin.

This number is estimated to be able to meet the needs of around 3,000 people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We secured 730 boxes, meaning that for public use, the use for residents affected by COVID-19, 1x1 is for 5 days, so actually the number of 730 boxes can be used by nearly 3000 sufferers," said West Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Ady Wibowo to reporters. , last Monday, July 12.

It is undeniable that Azithromycin 500mg is one of the drugs for people with COVID-19. This means, at a time when the number of COVID-19 spreads is high, the drug is very much needed.