Police Arrest 22 Thugs In West Jakarta

PHOTO VIA BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The West Jakarta Metro Police conducted a hand arrest operation (OTT) against 22 suspected thugs for allegedly committing illegal levies (extortion) in the West Jakarta jurisdiction.

"We secured (arrested) 22 thugs who often disturb the public by making illegal fees, especially truck drivers passing through West Jakarta," said Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the West Jakarta Metro Police Kompol Joko Dwi Harsono, quoted by Antara, Friday, June 11.

Joko said the 22 people were arrested by the Violent Crimes Unit (Jatanras) and the Mobile Investigation Unit assisted by the West Jakarta Metro Police Preman Hunter Team while conducting a sweep of a number of roads in the Cengkareng and Kalideres areas.

The suspected thugs were immediately arrested and taken to the West Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters for further investigation, along with evidence in the form of illegally levied money, sharp weapons and coupons used to commit extortion.

"We have taken a number of people who we have secured along with evidence to the West Jakarta Metro Police for further investigation," he said.

Joko explained that the arrest operation was carried out on the suspects as an effort to prevent extortion and thuggery in the jurisdiction of the West Jakarta Metro Police.

Previously, President Joko Widodo instructed the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who was forwarded to the Metro Jaya Police Chief Inspector General M Fadil Imran and the West Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Pol Ady Wibowo to eradicate acts of thuggery.

Joko also appealed to the public not to hesitate to report to the police if they found any thuggery practices in the West Jakarta area.

"Because the slightest information will really help us in creating a safe and conducive West Jakarta and free from thuggery acts," he said.