Fadli Sadama May Have Engaged in Drugs Trafficking in Jail

Jakarta (Antara) - The police said that Fadli Sadama (29), a convicted terrorist who was recently arrested after escaping from Tanjung Gusta prison in Medan, North Sumatra, may have engaged in the narcotics business while in prison. The proceeds from the business are believed to have been used to fund his escape to Malaysia. Fadli was arrested last Friday with the assistance of the local police, the head of the public information bureau of the National Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Boy Rafli Amar, said here on Wednesday. He added that the police and prison officials, so far, have not found any evidence to confirm that suspicion. But he pointed out that earlier, it had been proved that Fadli was involved in narcotics trafficking for the purpose of fa'i (fund-raising for terrorism activities). He said it is possible that the money from the drug trafficking in jail could have been used for financing terrorism activities. "We believe the narcotics trade was used to fund terrorism activities, but no evidence has been found so far," he noted. Boy pointed out that Fadli had earlier been involved with international marijuana and methamphetamine trade networks in Malaysia and Thailand. In 2007, he was even involved in narcotics trading in Malaysia, Boy said. In addition, since 2003, Fadli and his gang members have also been involved in armed robberies on banks, jewelry shops and money changers. (*)