Pamtas Task Force Thwarts The Smuggling Of 495 Ecstasy Pills From Malaysia

Five suspects arrested for smuggling ecstasy/Photo: Antara

PONTIANAK - The Border Security Task Force (Satgas Pamtas) Mechanized Infantry Battalion 643/Wanara Sakti thwarted an attempt to smuggle 495 grains on an unofficial route across the Indonesia-Malaysia border in Panga Hamlet, Semanget Village, Entikong District, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan, Sunday 3 April.

The Pamtas Task Force also arrested five suspected smugglers during the routine patrol, said the Commander of the RI-Malaysia Pamtas Task Force Mechanical Infantry Battalion 643/Wanara Sakti Lt. Col. (Inf.) Hendro Wicaksono in a statement received in Pontianak, Monday, April 4.

"The ecstasy narcotics were arrested by six of our members from the Panga Post, led by Danpos Letda (Inf.) Yopi Prasetyo, while on a routine patrol on an unofficial route at the RI-Malaysia border, Panga Hamlet, Semanget Village, Entikong District, Sunday. (3/4)," said Hendro Wicaksono, quoted by Antara.

He explained that while on patrol, members of Pos Panga initially saw suspicious behavior towards two suspected illegal Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) while passing through unofficial channels. Officers then conducted a search and obtained evidence of ecstasy narcotics.

"It turned out that after being investigated, we managed to secure five suspected perpetrators with the initials MSS (23), J (27), HI (22), M (35), and R (39), along with evidence of 495 ecstasy narcotics. "This ecstasy was hidden in the canister of a pest sprayer or disinfectant by the perpetrators. However, thanks to the foresight of members, this type of ecstasy drug can be found," he explained.

From the results of a brief examination, he continued, the five people were suspected of having different roles. He mentioned that MSS and J were suspected of being ecstasy carriers from Malaysia, while R was a guide to entry into Indonesian territory, and HI and M were ecstasy recipients under the guise of motorcycle taxi drivers who would take MSS and J.

For further legal proceedings, he said, the five perpetrators and the evidence were immediately handed over to the West Kalimantan National Narcotics Agency (BNN) for legal proceedings in accordance with applicable regulations.

"We are never tired of always preventing all illegal actions at the border, especially those related to drug trafficking," he stressed.

Meanwhile, Danki SSK IV Balai Karangan Captain (Inf.) Debri Wahyu said the arrest of this type of ecstasy drug also involved the participation of the public who provided information about unusual activities at the border.

"This proves that border communities are also anti-illegal acts, especially drug trafficking in their territory; and also a form of closeness between members of Pos Pamtas and the community, so that whenever there is an incident, they always report it to Pos Pamtas," he said.

When the perpetrators and evidence were handed over, West Kalimantan BNN member Ardi appreciated the extraordinary achievements of the Pamtas Task Force Post officers who managed to secure the 495 ecstasy pills.

"Of the five perpetrators, there are two who have been our TO (target operations) so far. Thank you, Mr. Pamtas Task Force, who have helped prevent narcotics trafficking in border areas so far," he said.