TANGERANG - The Tangerang City Police (Polresta), Banten Regional Police, have uncovered a smuggling operation involving 35 packages of marijuana hidden inside a Vespa motorcycle frame.
Tangerang Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Andi Muhammad Indra Waspada, explained that the case was uncovered thanks to the actions taken by the Panongan Police.
"This case was successfully uncovered following the arrest of a man with the initials J (19) at his rented house in Rancaiu Village, Panongan District, Tangerang Regency," Indra said at a press conference in Tangerang, Antara reported, Thursday, November 6.
Following the investigation, police arrested three other suspects: LK (24), a daily laborer; AH (44), a civil servant (ASN) at the Tangerang Regency Government; and IT (42), who is suspected of being the owner and controller of the interprovincial marijuana smuggling network.
Indra explained that the investigation began with information that the marijuana originated from a dealer in Bogor, West Java. Police then moved into the area and arrested the three perpetrators.
During a search, officers found half a kilogram of marijuana ready for distribution in IT's possession. He admitted to obtaining the contraband from a man with the initials AS, a resident of Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, who is currently on the wanted list.
"IT also admitted to sending 35 large packages of marijuana to Denpasar, Bali, using an expedition service," said Indra.
To deceive officers, the perpetrators hid the marijuana inside boxes or Vespa frames packaged to resemble vehicle packages. After coordination, the expedition office in Bali successfully seized the packages before they could be distributed.
From the investigation, police seized evidence including 10 joint-rolled marijuana cigarettes, five small packages of marijuana, one large package weighing 350 grams, and a Vespa containing 35 large packages of marijuana.
The suspects were charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 111 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
"The main perpetrator faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. We also urge the public to actively report any information about drug distribution in their community," said Indra.
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