The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 240 kilograms of marijuana hidden inside compressor cylinders and nitrogen cylinders into Kramat Jati, East Jakarta.
Six people who were arrested while allegedly acting as couriers in the smuggling attempt possibly face the death sentence if convicted of the crime, BNN eradication division deputy head Insp. Gen. Arman Depari said.
Authorities arrested four of them on Thursday afternoon at a rented house allegedly used as a storehouse behind state-run elementary school SDN Kramat Jati 02 Pagi, after trailing them throughout the day. The other two alleged couriers were arrested later.
During a raid the BNN confiscated a total of 240 kilograms of marijuana, the cylinders and a toolbox kept by the suspects in the rented house.
The marijuana were reportedly brought from Aceh and was to be distributed throughout Jakarta and West Jakarta.
“We will investigate the roles and work [of the accused people] and whether they have been fully involved or helping one of the syndicates that distribute marijuana,” Arman said as quoted by kompas.com on Thursday.
“[They] face possible death sentences because [they were allegedly] in possession of and have transported a large amount [of marijuana],” he said.
The drug agency said it believed that the illegal distribution of the marijuana from Aceh was controlled by inmates of the Cirebon Class I Penitentiary in West Java.
After questioning the suspects, Arman said the BNN found that the storehouse was owned by a former drug convict who had gotten out of prison after serving his four-year sentence.