Inp.polri.go.id - Surabaya. The East Java Regional Police arrested a babysitter, for forcing weight gain drugs containing harmful substances on a baby under her care.

According to Kombes Pol Farman, Director of East Java’s Criminal Investigation Unit, “The suspect admitted that giving such drugs was a common practice among her fellow babysitters, said Senior Superintendent Framan, the East Java Police Director of Criminal Investigation Unit on Tuesday (15/10/2024)/ 

The suspect, identified as  N (36), from Bone, South Sulawesi,, had been administering drugs purchased online for about a year. The drugs, which contained Siproheptadine and Dexamethasone, were mixed into the child’s drink to accelerate weight gain.

The child, who is just over two years old, now weighs 19.5 kg. After falling ill, doctors confirmed the baby was suffering from obesity, according to antaranews.com.

Police seized evidence, including pills, online purchase records, and containers used to mix the drugs. The investigation is ongoing to track other babysitters involved in similar practices.

Suspect N faces charges under the domestic violence and health laws, with penalties ranging from five to 20 years in prison.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)