he Central Sulawesi National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) has arrested two alleged drug dealers in Poso regency, one of whom is believed to be a sympathizer of Indonesia's most wanted terrorist, Santoso.
The two suspects were Ansar Malla and Sukirno, who were apprehended on Wednesday for allegedly trafficking crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as sabu-sabu, Central Sulawesi BNNP chief Sr. Comr. Joko Marjatno said on Thursday.
The agency suspected the two men to be members of a drug network from Sidenreng Rappang (Sidrap) regency in South Sulawesi province that had operations in Poso and other areas in the central province.
Sidrap is notoriously known as the drug center of South Sulawesi.
Officers from BNNP had tailed Ansar since April 12 when he was leaving from Sidrap to Poso. The officers seized 50 grams of sabu-sabu, two mobile phones and Rp 950,000 ($72) in cash. After Ansar's arrest in Poso, the officers went to Sukirno's house in Poso where they found 0.83 grams of sabu-sabu, 18 mobile phones, a Bank Mandiri ATM card, one air gun and one machete.
"Ansar [allegedly] brought the sabu-sabu from Sidrap to Sukirno in Poso," Joko said.
Sukirno is also alleged to be a sympathizer of Santoso's militant group, the East Indonesia Mujahidin, Joko said, refusing to give further details.
"That is the authority of the police and Densus 88 [the police's counterterrorism squad]," he said.
There had been 16 suspects from seven drug cases arrested in Central Sulawesi from January to April 13, according to data from the BNNP. (rin)
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