Methamphetamine Dealer Suspected Dies During Arrest, 5 Members Of Banjar Police Deactivated For Investigation

Head of Public Relations of the South Kalimantan Police, Kombes Mochamad Rifa'i (ANTARA DOK)

BANJAR - Five personnel of the Banjar Police Narcotics Investigation Unit have been deactivated and taken to the South Kalimantan (Kalsel) Regional Police following a death case during the arrest of a person suspected of being a methamphetamine dealer.

"The five personnel concerned are still undergoing examination at the Internal Security Sub-Section, so they will be temporarily relieved of their duties", explained the Head of Public Relations of the South Kalimantan Police, Kombes Mochamad Rifa'i, in Banjarmasin, Antara on Thursday, January 20.

The death of the suspected shabu dealer was reported by the family to the Police's Professional and Security Division of the South Kalimantan Police. Currently, the process of deepening the report is still being carried out.

"There is only one witness, namely the wife of the deceased. We need to investigate, including from the scene of the arrest to being taken to the hospital", he explained.

If the results of the examination later found violations, he said, then according to the order of the Regional Police Chief, strict action was taken. In fact, not only the internal police processes, namely discipline and code of ethics but the case can also be handled by the General Criminal Investigation Directorate for the crime.

It was confirmed separately that the attorney for the family of the late Kamarullah said they were continuing to seek justice regarding the death of S, which they suspected was the result of violence by officers.

Kamarullah admitted that he is currently in East Java and is coordinating with staff members of the Indonesian House of Representatives to meet with representatives of the people in Senayan soon.

"We want the complaint to the Regional Police to be followed up. Hopefully, the House of Representatives will also help guard it", he said.

It is known that S's arrest occurred on December 29, 2021, at his home in Pemangkih Baru Village, Tatah Makmur District, Banjar Regency.

According to Rifa'i's previous explanation, at that time the deceased, who had been the target of the Banjar Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, fought back with sharp weapons until a struggle ensued. S was declared dead during the arrest process.