Police uncover illegal LPG refilling businesses

JAKARTA: Jakarta Police arrested nine people allegedly running an illegal LPG businesses in Tangerang on Thursday night.

The three were arrested in Ciledug in Tangerang, Curug in Tangerang Banten, and Kampung Monggor in South Tangerang.

"They transferred subsidized gas from 3-kilogram canisters into 12 kilogram canisters and sold the 12 kilogram canisters at the normal price," head of Jakarta Police human and natural resources unit Adj. Sr. Comr. Eko Saputro told journalists here Friday.

Police had also found a total of 640 3-kilogram canisters and 109 12-kilogram canisters at the three locations.

The suspects will be charged for violating the 1999 Consumer Protection Law that carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and Rp 2 billion (US$220,628) in fines.

"We suspect they profited around Rp 28,000 for each 12-kilogram canister they refilled." Eko said.

He added that since 2009 police had uncovered at least 40 cases with similar modus ope-randi. - JP