Jan Andrea Gentilini, 25, was apprehended by the police’s drug squad at a friend’s house in the Puri Kusambi housing complex in Kerobokan, North Kuta, Bali, on June 30. The police made an announcement about the arrest only on Thursday.

Denpasar Police narcotics division chief Comr. I Wayan Arta Ariawan said on Thursday the arrest followed an investigation conducted by the police.

“We got information there was an Italian man who had often used drugs. From that information, we launched an investigation,” Arta said. 

The police arrested Gentilini at about 3 a.m. local time on June 30 and they claimed they found a small pack of ajapa japa tobacco in his bag. “We checked it and found the ajapa japa tobacco pack weighing 0.45 grams,” Arta alleged. 

According to police, Gentilini admitted he had used ajapa japa tobacco for the last two years. "He said he had used ajapa japa tobacco in that house three times," Arta claimed. 

Police also claimed Gentilini said he bought the tobacco from someone for Rp 100,000 (US$7.50) per pack, which they said he usually rolled into three cigarettes. "Ajapa japa tobacco could cause a hallucination effect to those who use it," Arta explained.

The effects of ajapa japa have been described as similar to those of marijuana, only 10 times stronger.

The police said they will charge Gentilini under articles 112 and 127 of the 2009 Narcotics Law, which carry a maximum sentence of 12 years imprisonment upon conviction. (ebf)

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