The police claim drug businesses have been running in the Jambi Class II A Penitentiary, where on Wednesday evening a riot took place involving arson committed by prisoners to protest an anti-narcotics operation inside the facility. 

“There were [drug] transactions inside,” National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Rikwanto said as quoted by Antara at the police headquarters in Jakarta on Friday.

(Read also: Jambi prisoners to be relocated after riot: Minister)

The riot occurred when a joint team comprising officials from the Jambi office of the Law and Human Rights Ministry, Jambi Police officers and prison officials was about to search cells inside the facility.  

Prisoners opposed the anti-drug operation and fought against the officials by throwing stones at them. They set fire to several rooms, including the prison’s meeting hall, cooperative office and electricity generator warehouse.

Rikwanto said the prisoners opposed the search for drugs because drug transactions inside the facility had given them benefits.

“They didn’t want their businesses uncovered because drug businesses were profitable and they got high profits,” he said.

Rikwanto said it was suspected drug businesses inside the Jambi prison involved officials inside the facility. He refused to give further details.

“It should be suspected there has been alleged involvement by internal officials and prisoners who have cell phones,” said Rikwanto. (ebf)