Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA) – South Sulawesi police have arrested 16 people and seized 2.56 kilograms of methamphetamine, 250 grams of synthetic tobacco and 5,665 milliliters of synthetic drug liquid in 12 cases, a police officer said.
According to Deputy Director of the South Sulawesi Police Narcotics Investigation Directorate Senior Commissioner Yudi Prianto, police followed up on 12 reports in early August.
The reports included two major cases uncovered on Aug. 4 at three locations, yielding 2.56 kilograms of methamphetamine, he said in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi Province, on Tuesday.
The locations were Green Goa Property housing complex in Gowa regency, Tamangapa Royal Residence in Bantaeng District and Mapasopa Hill housing complex in Gowa, Yudi said.
The police estimated the seizures prevented about 14,000 people from becoming victims of drug abuse, he added.
On Aug. 5, investigators expanded the operation and seized 5,665 milliliters, or about 5.6 liters, of synthetic liquid at three locations in Makassar and Gowa.
The seizures were made on Perintis Kemerdekaan Street and at Dalton Hotel in Makassar, as well as Griya Patri Abdillah Permai housing complex in Gowa.
“We estimate that about 35,000 people were protected from the effects of these synthetic drugs,” Yudi said.
Investigators are still determining whether the 2.56 kilograms of methamphetamine came from an international network or another domestic drug network, Yudi said.
“For the two-kilogram meth case, our investigation is ongoing. Our team has already conducted inquiries outside Makassar, including into possible international links,” he said.
The main methamphetamine suspect, identified by the initials SY, had previously worked as a courier before allegedly using his own capital to buy three kilograms for resale.
SY distributed one kilogram and had 2.56 kilograms remaining when arrested, Yudi said. The suspect had made several deliveries before, but this was his first sale using his own money.
The suspects linked to the three synthetic-liquid seizures were identified by the initials MA, JB and ZZ, Yudi said. Drugs were distributed through “drop” transactions arranged on social media.
The suspects face charges under Article 114(2) of the 2009 Narcotics Law, in conjunction with Article 609(2)(a) of the 2026 Criminal Adjustment Law, carrying up to life imprisonment, at least six years in prison and a minimum Rp1 billion (US$55,600) fine.
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Translator: M.Darwin F, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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