Police Deny Releasing Drug Suspect in Maros for Rp75 Million

Authorities in Maros, South Sulawesi, have firmly refuted circulating rumors of a drug suspect being released by local police in exchange for a substantial bribe of Rp75 million. The Narcotics Unit of the Maros Police, led by Iptu Asri Arif, has categorically denied these claims, emphasizing that thorough checks of police reports and investigation administration revealed no case matching the alleged specifics.

This denial comes amidst public scrutiny and the spread of unverified information. The police have stressed their commitment to procedural integrity in handling all narcotics cases, from initial investigation to prosecution. They have also stated that no officer by the name mentioned in the allegations is part of their personnel, further undermining the credibility of the rumors. The Maros Police have urged the public to exercise caution and avoid spreading unverified information, reinforcing their dedication to combating the illegal drug trade within the regency.

Furthermore, the police clarified a separate issue regarding the handling of drug users. Iptu Asri Arif, who recently took command of the unit, explained that individuals identified as addicts or victims, rather than dealers or kingpins, are often directed towards rehabilitation programs. This approach, he noted, is based on recommendations from an integrated assessment team involving both medical and legal experts, and aligns with Indonesia's Narcotics Law concerning rehabilitation for specific users.

This distinction is crucial, as it addresses potential misunderstandings about why certain individuals might not be held in detention cells. The police maintain that these rehabilitation referrals are conducted according to established legal frameworks and aim to address the addiction aspect of drug abuse. The Maros Police remain focused on their mission to eradicate illicit drug circulation, urging anyone with concrete evidence of misconduct to report it to the relevant internal affairs division (Propam).