Dili, 30 April 2026 (Media Democracia) – PNTL Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent Mouzinho Correia informed that in this operation the joint team seized evidence and conducted urine tests showing positive results for drug use, including a number of pieces of equipment.
“Through the urine test for the four (4) of them, the results were positive. We found all the equipment used for consuming drugs, especially items like lighters, pipes used for smoking, matches, and other things they naturally use to consume drugs. We have all of it.” said PNTL Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent Mouzinho Correia to journalists at the PNTL General Headquarters, Caicoli, Dili.
Regarding the 5 foreign citizens, on (27/04) the joint team conducted an operation on illicit drug transaction activities and managed to detect two separate drug cases involving different people.
“First, in the morning, the criminal investigation unit detected a drug case involving drug use this is different from drug dealing. So in the morning we managed to detain four (4) foreign citizens, two (2) men and two (2) women, the four of them were identified and detained while consuming drugs. This case has already been registered with the Public Prosecutor’s Office today.” he explained.
He said that later in the afternoon, the joint team identified more drug activity. At around 20:00 at night, the joint team carried out a second operation and detained another male foreign citizen for committing illicit drug trafficking in the country.
“So these are two different cases with different suspects. The four (4) suspects are Indonesian citizens, while the other one is from China. Currently both cases are with the Public Ministry’s Office. We expect that in one or two days they can be submitted for the first interrogation hearing.” he informed.
The Assistant Superintendent said that after examining the drugs, they detected it was a type of drug called Fentanyl.
“Fentanyl, as you know, is not a new drug. It is a Number One classification under Law No. 2/2017 regarding Timor-Leste’s drug law. This drug is very dangerous when consumed because just one milligram can kill many people if they consume beyond the dosage.” he stated.
Mouzinho informed that in this operation the joint team seized evidence and conducted urine tests that showed positive results for drug use, including a number of pieces of equipment.
“Through the urine test for the four of them, the results were positive. We found all the equipment used for consuming drugs, especially items like lighters, pipes used for smoking, matches, and other things they naturally use to consume drugs, we have all of it.” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the five (5) foreign citizens are currently detained at the Criminal Investigation Service Directorate, so that tomorrow they can be presented to the Dili District Court (TJPID) for the First Interrogation.
Report By: Estefania Cardoso
Photo By: Estefania Cardoso