Civil Servant Arrested for Alleged Home Marijuana Cultivation in Bandung Area

A 49-year-old civil servant, identified by the initials AS, has been arrested by police in Cileunyi, Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia, for allegedly cultivating marijuana on his residential property. The house, a type 36 dwelling, was also occupied by AS's wife and children. Authorities discovered 73 cannabis plants of various sizes and seedlings planted in a garden area measuring approximately 2x1 meters behind the house. During the raid, the wife and children were reportedly crying inside the residence. AS is alleged to have forced his family to remain silent about the "homegrown marijuana farm." According to Kompol Oliestha Ageng Wicaksana, Head of the Narcotics Unit at the Bandung City Police, the tallest cannabis plants confiscated were approximately 180 centimeters. AS claimed he had been cultivating the marijuana since May 2023, learning the process through social media. While AS stated that the cultivation was for personal consumption and to share with a few friends, police are investigating the possibility of distribution. AS is employed as a contract worker (PPPK) by the Ministry of Public Works in Bandung City. He was also found to be in possession of several rolled marijuana cigarettes at the time of his arrest and tested positive for methamphetamine use. AS reportedly stated that he began cultivating marijuana because it was difficult to purchase. He also expressed curiosity about how to grow the plant. "It was difficult to buy, and I was also afraid. Then I was curious about how to grow it, seeing the actual plant because I really like it," the suspect said. Police are continuing to investigate the origin of the seeds and fertilizers used by AS. He faces potential charges under Articles 114 and 111(2) of Indonesia's Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment. Source: CNN Indonesia