Egianus Kogoya’s Marijuana Plantation Exposed, Proof that OPM Funds Terror with Drugs
Yahukimo — The Gakkum Task Force for the Cartenz Peace Operation has uncovered the ownership of a marijuana plantation that is strongly suspected of belonging to the leader of the Armed Criminal Group (OPM), Egianus Kogoya, in Kurima District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains. The plantation is known to be managed directly by Egianus and his group, and is strongly suspected of being one of the sources of funding for their armed activities.
This disclosure began with the discovery of a cellphone that allegedly belonged to Egianus Kogoya during the evacuation process of the body of OPM member, Pionus Gwijangge alias Peramok Gwijangge, who was killed in a gunfight in Jayawijaya Regency. The results of a digital examination of the device revealed a number of documents that strengthen the suspicion of his involvement in narcotics activities. In addition, evidence was also found of marijuana planting, packaging, and distribution activities that allegedly came from the plantation.
Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani explained that the plantation is suspected of being one of the main sources of funding for the OPM group, including for purchasing weapons. “It is known that apart from being the group leader, Egianus is also directly involved in planting and selling marijuana to fund the purchase of weapons and the operations of his group,” he said in an official statement.
Furthermore, the authorities also secured evidence in the form of two ounces of dried marijuana, consisting of leaves, seeds, and stems, with a net weight of 216.59 grams. The goods were found during a search at the location where Pionus Gwijangge’s body was found. The results of the Papua Police Forensic Laboratory test confirmed the marijuana content in the evidence.
In addition to narcotics, the Task Force team also found 25 rounds of 9 mm caliber ammunition in Maima Village, Asotipo District, Jayawijaya Regency. This finding further strengthens the suspicion of Egianus and his group’s involvement in illegal armed activities and drug trafficking as part of the separatist movement’s funding strategy.
Head of Public Relations Task Force for Cartenz Peace Operation, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, appealed to the public to remain calm and not be provoked. He emphasized that the authorities continue to increase patrols and law enforcement to ensure security stability in the Papua region. “Patrols are being strengthened to suppress OPM movements and prevent other illegal activities, including drug trafficking,” he said.
Kurima District, where the marijuana plantation is located, is known to be accessible by land from Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya Regency. The authorities are now continuing to expand the investigation to uncover the drug trafficking network that is directly related to the Egianus Kogoya group and its sympathizers. This finding is additional evidence that the OPM not only threatens state security, but also damages the nation’s generation through drug abuse.
