Egianus Kogoya’s Marijuana Plantation Uncovered, Evidence Shows OPM Funds Terror Through Narcotics
Yahukimo — The Law Enforcement Task Force of Operation Peace Cartenz has uncovered a marijuana plantation strongly believed to belong to Egianus Kogoya, the leader of the Armed Criminal Group (OPM), located in Kurima District, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua. The plantation is reportedly managed directly by Egianus and his group, and is suspected to be a key source of funding for their armed operations.
The discovery began with the recovery of a mobile phone, allegedly belonging to Egianus Kogoya, during the evacuation of the body of OPM member Pionus Gwijangge, also known as Perampok Gwijangge, who was killed in a gunfight in Jayawijaya Regency. A digital forensic examination of the device revealed documentation that strongly indicates his involvement in narcotics-related activities. Evidence was also found showing the cultivation, packaging, and distribution of marijuana allegedly sourced from the plantation.
The Head of Operation Peace Cartenz, Police Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, explained that the plantation is suspected to be one of the main financial sources for the OPM group, including for the purchase of firearms. “It is known that in addition to leading the group, Egianus is directly involved in cultivating and selling marijuana to finance weapons purchases and group operations,” he stated in an official release.
Furthermore, authorities secured evidence in the form of two ounces of dried marijuana—comprising leaves, seeds, and stems—with a net weight of 216.59 grams. The items were found during a sweep of the area where Pionus Gwijangge’s body was discovered. Forensic laboratory tests conducted by the Papua Regional Police confirmed the substance as marijuana.
In addition to narcotics, the task force also discovered 25 rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition in Maima Village, Asotipo District, Jayawijaya Regency. This finding further strengthens suspicions of Egianus and his group’s involvement in illegal arms activities and drug trafficking as part of their separatist movement’s funding strategy.
The Public Information Chief of Operation Peace Cartenz, Police Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, urged the public to remain calm and not be provoked. He affirmed that authorities are intensifying patrols and law enforcement efforts to ensure stability and security in the Papua region. “We are strengthening patrols to suppress OPM movements and prevent other illegal activities, including drug trafficking,” he emphasized.
Kurima District, where the marijuana plantation is located, is accessible by land from Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya Regency. Authorities are now expanding their investigation to uncover the drug distribution network directly linked to Egianus Kogoya and his sympathizers. This discovery provides further evidence that OPM not only threatens national security but also endangers the nation’s future by contributing to narcotics abuse.
