The Jakarta Post, Mataram Tue, February 19 2013,
The Mataram Drug and Food Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has discovered imported beverages bearing the brand name Mansion House vodka containing methanol during an operation in Gili Trawangan, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The agency said the alcoholic beverages were fake and had no legal distribution permit.
“The results of an examination we conducted on samples of the Mansion House Vodka taken during the operation in Gili Trawangan show that the contents contain methanol and we must report it to the NTB Police,” said Mataram BPOM head Sri Utami Ekaningtyas. She made her comments at a coordination meeting on the control of alcoholic beverages, which was held at the NTB governor's office on Tuesday.
Sri said the report was aimed at helping police investigate the death of Liam Davies, a 19-year-old Australian tourist, who allegedly died from drinking tainted alcohol in Gili Trawangan, North Lombok, early in January.
Sri said Mataram BPOM and North Lombok administration officials recently inspected several cafes and bars in Gili Trawangan. During the inspections, they found several counterfeit alcoholic beverages, including Mansion House Vodka.
“Their serial numbers differ to the ones on the BPOM website. Therefore, it is highly likely that they are fake products,” she said.
During the meeting, NTB Police narcotics unit head Adj. Sr. Comr. Ricky S. Paays said that his officers would investigate the findings. He added that alcoholic drinks sold directly to tourists were controlled and monitored.
“There is no problem with alcoholic beverages sold in hotels or by vendors with distribution permits,” said Ricky.
He said that police would monitor the distribution of not only alcoholic beverages but also drugs in Gili Trawangan.
“Last year, we uncovered two major drug cases in the area. Along with the increasing number of tourists in NTB, both drugs and alcohol should be anticipated,” said Ricky, adding that the police would continue to investigate the death of Davies.
di 19 feb 2013 - 18:18