Selling Drugs On Instagram, A Minor In Banten Arrested By Officials

SERANG - The Banten Police's Narcotics Directorate managed to uncover the circulation of narcotics of methamphetamine, marijuana, and gorilla tobacco on Instagram social media. Ironically, the perpetrator is still a minor.

The Head of Sub-Division of Penmas Bidhumas of the Banten Police AKBP Meryadi said that investigators from the Banten Police's Narcotics Directorate arrested the perpetrator who was less than 17 years old in Jombang District, Cilegon City, Banten Province. The investigator, is a resident of Jombag District, Cilegon City.

He also explained that initially, the Opsnal team of the Banten Police Narcotics Directorate conducted an investigation in connection with reports from the public regarding the circulation of class I narcotics of methamphetamine, gorilla tobacco, and marijuana in the Cilegon City area.

"The Opsnal Team of the Banten Police Narcotics Directorate initially conducted an investigation due to reports from the public who were aware of the circulation of narcotics in the Cilegon City area, the narcotics being circulated were class I drugs of methamphetamine, gorilla tobacco, and marijuana," Meryadi explained in a written statement, Monday, 19 September.

After obtaining accurate information, the officers then arrested and searched the suspect on Thursday, September 15, at around 21.30 WIB at his rented house in Jombang District, Cilegon City.

Meryadi said from the results of the search, evidence was found in the form of methamphetamine, marijuana, and others.

"From the search results, evidence was found in the form of methamphetamine, marijuana, and gorilla tobacco which were admitted to belonging to the suspect," added Meryadi.

During the search, materials and tools for making gorilla tobacco were also found, namely measuring cups, alcohol, acetone, methanol, and an electric stove which were stored in the wardrobe in the suspect's rented house.

The suspect admitted that his methamphetamine was obtained from EN (DPO) in the lobby of the Basura City Mall, East Jakarta. Then marijuana was purchased from the Instagram account, while gorilla tobacco was obtained from the Instagram account.

"The suspect's goal in controlling methamphetamine, gorilla tobacco, and marijuana is to be traded through his Instagram account under the name Papigeng by creating stories about narcotics sales. If someone has ordered, then the suspect directs to send money first and then is directed to take the ordered narcotics at the place that the suspect has determined by sending a compass point and photos to make it easier for buyers to pick up."

From the results of the investigation, officers confiscated a number of evidences, namely shabu weighing 17.30 grams, marijuana leaves as much as 141.33 grams, marijuana stems as much as 378.82 grams, gorilla tobacco as much as 39.41 grams, gorilla tobacco making materials as much as 99.29 grams, measuring cup gorilla tobacco, alcohol, acetone, methanol and electric stove, 1 electric scale, 1 unit of mobile phone and 4 duct tape.

Deputy Director of Drugs at the Banten Police Nico Setiawan said the perpetrator circulated class I narcotics of methamphetamine, gorilla tobacco, and marijuana in the Cilegon-Serang area using his Papigeng Instagram account.

"The perpetrators circulated class I narcotics of methamphetamine, gorilla tobacco, and marijuana in the Cilegon-Serang City area using his Papigeng Instagram account," Nico said.

Given the status of the suspect who is still a minor, investigators also continue to give their rights by coordinating with the Serang Regional Police to assist the suspect during the examination. However, the suspect remains in custody because he has been a recidivist twice in the same case.

For his actions, the perpetrator is subject to Article 114 Paragraph (2) Sub-Article 112 Paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 111 Paragraph (1) Law No. 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics Law No. 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics with a minimum imprisonment of 6 years at most. 20 years or life or death penalty.