Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Directorate of Narcotics Crime of the Indonesian National Police (INP) Criminal Investigation Board uncovered a kitchen laboratory producing ecstasy (MDMA synthetic drugs) in Johar Baru, Central Jakarta which was operating under the guidance of imprisoned drug convicts. 

Deputy Director of Narcotics Crime of the INP Criminal Investigation Board Senior Superintendent Djayadi said that the investigation, which was started following a tip off about the production of ecstasy in the area, resulted in the arrest of a suspect with the initials SP, a 43-year-old man, and the confiscation of 50 grams of ecstasy. 

During a search of the suspect's house, police found the kitchen laboratory with 96 ecstasy pills and 349.86 grams of ecstasy powder inside. According to the suspect's confession, the ingredients were obtained from another inmate with initials RM. Each pill was sold for Rp 5,000 (around USD 0.3).

RM confirmed his involvement, admitting that he bought the precursor online and sent it to SP. RM also asked the help of another inmate, identified as a man with initials MM, to distribute the product in return of Rp 10,000 for each pill sold.

"MM hired a courier, who is a man with the initials MR. During his arrest, we found also 37 grams of synthetic tobacco that he distributed himself," the Deputy said. 

The operation resulted in the confiscation of 146 various brand ecstasy pills, 349,86 grams of ecstasy powder, 37 grams of synthetic tobacco, kitchen laboratory equipment, and communication tools. 

The suspects were charged under Article 119 Paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 132 Paragraph 1 of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics and Article 117 Paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 132 Paragraph 1 of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics.

(ay/af/hn/um)