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Police crack down on alleged hoarders driving up chili price
Police are investigating six individuals for allegedly hoarding chili and thereby contributing to the spicy commodity’s recent price hike
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Hiyung village in Tapin regency, South Kalimantan, produces the hottest chili in the nation, which is 17 times spicier than normal chili. (Shutterstock/File)
P
olice are investigating six individuals for allegedly hoarding chili and thereby contributing to the spicy commodity’s recent price hike.
The suspects were thought to be behind the price hike between December 2016 and February 2017, National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Martinus Sitompul said on Tuesday, adding that three people had been arrested in the case so far.
"Based on what we know, there are nine people hoarding chili in the case. We will question one person on Thursday regarding his involvement in the price agreement," he said, as reported by kompas.com.
Police also expanded their investigation into the alleged involvement of a company that received chili from the suspects.
(Read also: Chili prices hit Rp 200,000 per kg in Cianjur)
The rainy season from December until earlier this year has been blamed as the main factor behind rising price of chili, which in some areas of the country cost up to Rp. 200,000 (US$15). However, police revealed that middlemen stockpiling the commodity also contributed to the skyrocketing price.
The suspects would be charged under the 2009 law against monopolies and unfair competition. (rdi)
