From Cipinang To Subang: The National Police Food Task Force Searches The Warehouse To The Office To Investigate The Oplosan Rice Case

Illustration-(DOC ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The National Police's Food Task Force searched a number of warehouses and rice producer offices suspected of selling rice that did not comply with quality standards or mixed rice. The search locations cover the Jakarta to Subang areas, West Java.

The Head of the National Police's Food Task Force who is also the Director of Special Economic Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf, said this step was taken following the results of laboratory tests of 212 rice samples which showed five brands did not meet quality standards.

"Investigators made forced efforts in the form of searches, sealing or status quos, as well as confiscation of production sites, warehouses, retailers, and offices, related to the evidence needed for investigation purposes," Helfi told reporters in Jakarta, Thursday, July 24.

At least five locations were targeted by searches. The details include PT FS's offices and warehouses in East Jakarta; PT FS warehouse in Subang, West Java; PT PIM's offices and warehouses in Serang, Banten; as well as Cipinang Rice Main Market, East Jakarta.

The police have also examined 14 witnesses and asked for expert opinion, both from the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) and from consumer protection experts.

"Investigators took forced action, namely 14 examinations of witnesses," said Helfi.

The results of the series of investigations led to allegations of criminal acts. Therefore, investigators decided to raise the status of the case to the investigation stage.

"Based on the results of the investigation, it has been found that there are allegations of criminal events. So from the results of the case title, the status of the investigation has been upgraded to an investigation," he said.