Three actors and a politician were among 17 people arrested for possession of marijuana and ecstasy early on Sunday morning when Indonesia’s National Narcotic Agency (BNN) raided actor and TV presenter Raffi Ahmad’s home in South Jakarta.
Mr Raffi was detained along with actress Zaskia Sungkar, actor Irwinsyah and artist-turned-Jakarta councillor Wanda Hamidah.
“We had been following and investigating them for three months. So we have known the activities of a group of celebrities that were involved in a drug party. Early Sunday at around 5am, we raided the house of [Raffi Ahmad],” Benny Mamoto, deputy chief of the BNN, was quoted by the Jakarta Globe.
Mr Benny said that police found marijuana and lemonade mixed with ecstacy powder. He added that the BNN were still questioning the suspects.
Only five urine tests of the 17 arrested tested positive for drugs. Police said that they would make further tests of the suspects’ hair and blood to determine whether they used drugs.
Mr Raffi’s mother, Amy Qonita, told reporters that she did not believe her son used drugs.
“I was informed by my maid this morning. I really did not expect this as I am very sure that my son would not do something like this,” she said. “I think this is a set up.”
Mr Raffi, 25, has been approached by Indonesia' National Mandate Party (PAN) to stand as a candidate in elections next year. Ms Wanda, a former artist, is a PAN member of the Jakarta Legislative Council.