Four inmates have reportedly been caught operating a drug business from their cells in Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta.

Jakarta Police narcotics unit chief Sr. Adj. Comr. Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak said the business of the inmates, identified as TY, 28; VIN, 26; HAM, 20; and COK, 35, allegedly involved ecstasy-laced electronic cigarette liquid that was produced in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta.

“They played different roles, with TY as the initiator,” Jean said on Thursday.

The handover of the ecstasy reportedly occurred outside the prison with the help of BR, another suspect who was previously arrested in Kelapa Gading.

“They bought 100 ecstasy pills for a price of Rp 20 million [US$1,347] per production [of the liquid],” he added.

HAM, one of the treasurers in the group, allegedly paid for the ecstasy. “We are still looking for the courier who delivered the ecstasy,” Calvin said, as quoted by kompas.com.

The police arrested 11 people in Kelapa Gading on Oct. 31 for producing and distributing ecstasy laced-electronic cigarette liquid.

The police also arrested DW, 25, TY's wife, who reportedly also acted as a treasurer. (sau)