Two Couriers Of 2 Kilograms Of Methamphetamine In Medan Sentenced To 19 Years In Prison

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

The panel of judges at the Medan District Court (PN), North Sumatra, sentenced two defendants to 2 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine courier.

"Sentenced Muhammad Ikhbal Bachtiar (30) and Habibullah (28) to 19 years in prison and a fine of IDR 1 billion, subsidiary to 3 months in prison," said Chief Judge Muhammad Kasimdi of the Medan District Court as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, December 12.

The judge stated that the two defendants were proven guilty of committing a drug crime as the primary indictment.

The two defendants were proven to have violated Article 114 paragraph (2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st Criminal Code.

As for the aggravating things the actions of the two defendants were because they were contrary to the government's program in eradicating illicit drug trafficking.

"Meanwhile, mitigating things, the two defendants admitted and regretted their actions," explained Judge Kasim.

After reading the verdict, Chief Judge Kasim gave the two defendants and the Medan Public Prosecutor (JPU) to appeal or accept this verdict.

The verdict is lighter than the demands of the Public Prosecutor of the Medan Kejari Daniel Surya Partogi Aritonang. Previously, the prosecutor demanded that the two defendants each be sentenced to 20 years in prison and a fine of Rp. 1 billion, subsidiary to 6 months in prison.

Public Prosecutor Daniel in the indictment stated that the case began in March 2024 when the defendant Habibullah (separate file) was contacted by an unknown person to order narcotics of the type of methamphetamine.

"The defendant Habibullah then met with the defendant Ikhbal in Jakarta on March 11, 2024, stating that he was ready to help find a supplier of methamphetamine. After the meeting, they traveled from Jakarta to Medan on March 14, 2024," he said.

Arriving in Medan City, the two defendants contacted prospective buyers who were willing to buy large amounts of methamphetamine.

"The prospective buyer is known to be an undercover police officer who asked for 2 kilograms to 4 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine at a price of Rp. 300 million per kilogram," he said.

On Saturday (6/4), the two defendants went to Medan Amplas District, Medan City, to collect narcotics. After that, the defendant continued his journey to Jalan Gagak Hitam Medan handing him crystal methamphetamine to a potential buyer.

However, when making the transaction, the two defendants were surprised by the presence of police officers.

"Officers arrested the two defendants along with evidence of 2 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine," said Public Prosecutor Daniel.