Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — An American basketball player identified by the initials JDS was arrested by police at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia, for allegedly smuggling marijuana disguised as candy from Thailand.
According to police, JDS attempted to bring the cannabis-infused edibles into the country via a shipment processed through the airport’s cargo area. Authorities say the bust was the result of a joint investigation between Indonesian Customs and the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police.
“The operation was a joint effort with Customs, targeting a shipment sent from Thailand to Indonesia,” said Deputy Police Chief of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, AKBP Joko Sulistiono, as reported by Teropongmedia.
Customs officers flagged a suspicious package from Thailand during routine checks and discovered 20 packages labeled “Vita Bite” that tested positive for Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component in cannabis.
Following the discovery, authorities tracked the package to its intended recipient, JDS who was a basketball athlete plays for an Indonesian team. He was arrested at an apartment complex in the BSD area of Tangerang. Police seized 20 packages containing a total of 132 cannabis candies, weighing approximately 869 grams.
Narcotics unit chief AKP Michael Tandayu said JDS had ordered the drug-laced candy about a month ago from an acquaintance in Thailand. Investigators identified a woman with the initials JK, who is believed to be based in Thailand, as the person responsible for packaging and supplying the marijuana edibles.
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Authorities said JDS intended to distribute the cannabis candy to fellow athletes in Indonesia and had plans to expand the operation if sales proved successful. He also plans on using it himself as a form of relaxations after activity and for lifestyle reasons.
“He admitted using the product himself after workouts to relax as he described the effects as similar to marijuana,” Tandayu said.
Police are continuing their investigation into the broader drug trafficking network involved in smuggling marijuana disguised as candy. Authorities say the case highlights the growing trend of narcotics being trafficked in forms that resemble everyday snacks, which poses a unique threat to public safety.
Meanwhile, JDS is being charged under Indonesia’s strict narcotics laws, including Articles 112, 113, and 114 of Law No. 35/2009 on Narcotics, which cover the possession, distribution, and importation of Class I narcotics. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
(Raidi/Agung)
