Agency Seizes Rp49.4 Billion Drug Assets in 2013

Jakarta (Antara) - The National Drugs Eradication Agency (BNN) has seized RP49.4 billion worth of drugs and assets from drug syndicates in 2013. "Money laundered from drug crimes and related activities were seized," said the Head of BNN Anang Iskandar during a press release received here on Wednesday. The agency noted that the total amount was derived from cash, bank accounts, land, houses, apartments, vehicles, and jewelry from 14 drugs cases involving 18 drug suspects. Anang stated that assets worth at least RP43.2 billion have been confiscated, while the remaining RP6.2 billion is in the process of being confiscated. He said the suspects had committed several drug violations such as drug abuse and money laundering crimes. "We applied a double-sided approach to arrest the drug syndicates. We not only handled drug abuse cases but also exposed the money laundering activities of the perpetrators," added Anang. The Finance Transaction Analysis Center noted that the money laundering crimes from drug abuse ranked first in money laundering cases during 2013. "The center said that 27 money laundering cases resulting from drug abuse topped the list, followed by 16 corruption cases and 14 fraud cases," Anang stated. Faisal was arrested on charges of money laundering resulting from drug abuse and RP29.9 billion was seized from cash, bank accounts, and several properties. In March 2013, Faisal was arrested by the BNN in the lobby of Plaza Indonesia on grounds of suspicion for his involvement in handling drugs and money for a syndicate. Between 2010 and October 2013, the BNN has seized RP110 billion from 59 persons related to drug abuse. (*)