Bareskrim arrests 2 methamphetamine suppliers in Ko Erwin syndicate network
The Directorate of Narcotics Crime (Dittipidnarkoba) of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (Bareskrim Polri) continues to dismantle a narcotics trafficking case conducted by a dealer named Ko Erwin. Police arrested two suspects allegedly supplying methamphetamine to the Ko Erwin syndicate.
Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso explained that the two suspects are Charles Bernando alias Charlie (36) and Arfan Yulius Lauw (37). Both were arrested at an apartment in Teluk Naga, Tangerang, Banten.
The arrest stemmed from Ko Erwin’s confession. Eko stated that Ko Erwin had previously purchased methamphetamine from Charlie in November 2025.
“Suspect Erwin Iskandar conducted a methamphetamine transaction purchased from brother Charlie, in which they conducted the transaction in November 2025,” said Eko in a written statement on Monday (2 March 2026).
Kasubdit IV Dittipidnarkoba, led by Kombes Handik Zusen, subsequently ordered Kanit III Subdit IV Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri Kompol Reza Pahlevi to conduct an investigation. The team then moved to Charlie’s apartment. At that location, police apprehended Charlie who was with his partner and child.
Police discovered several pieces of evidence including methamphetamine, ketamine and “happy water”. Charlie subsequently confessed that the items were obtained from someone called “The Doctor” who was introduced by suspect Arfan.
Police then arrested Arfan at another unit of the apartment. Arfan was arrested while hiding in the bathroom.
From the room occupied by Arfan, police found a glass pipette for narcotics and one clip plastic bag containing white powder suspected to be ketamine. Charlie and Arfan were then taken to Bareskrim Polri for further questioning.
Eko stated that both are recidivists in the same case. Charlie had twice been imprisoned for murder and narcotics trafficking.
“The 2006 murder case was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment, held at Tangerang Child Prison and released in 2010. The 2018 narcotics trafficking case was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months imprisonment, held at Salemba Prison then transferred to Nusakambangan Prison and released in December 2023,” said Eko.
“Arfan, the 2015 narcotics trafficking case was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, held at Salemba Prison transferred to Tangerang Baru Prison, last transferred to Nusakambangan Prison and released in September 2023,” he continued.
Eko stated that Charlie introduced Erwin to Arfan, who had a connection with Ko Andre alias “The Doctor” in January 2026. Erwin ordered 2 kilogrammes of methamphetamine at a price of 400 million rupiah per kilogramme from Ko Andre through Arfan.
The following day, the narcotics were sent to the apartment address. The illegal goods were then brought by Ko Erwin to Surabaya for distribution in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara.
“The 2 kilogrammes of methamphetamine was delivered to Surabaya using a Raize car with Erwin driving himself. Upon arriving in Surabaya, the 2 kilogrammes of methamphetamine was taken by Rudi (Erwin’s subordinate) and brought to Sape, Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, for distribution,” explained Eko.
For the methamphetamine sold to Ko Erwin, Arfan received a commission of 20 million rupiah from Ko Andre. This was then divided equally with Charlie, each receiving 10 million rupiah.
In late January 2026, Ko Erwin contacted Charlie again and ordered narcotics worth 400 million rupiah. From that amount, Ko Erwin received 3 kilogrammes of narcotics.
On Friday, 16 January 2026, Ko Erwin asked Arfan to accompany him to collect goods in Pluit with Akhsan Al-Fadhil alias Genda using a white Fortuner car. They collected 3 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and then brought it to Bima for distribution.
Upon arriving in Bima, the illegal goods were then packaged for distribution to his network. One instance involved 500 grammes being brought by former Narcotics Chief of Bima Police Station AKP Maulangi.
Subsequently, 2 kilogrammes were taken by someone named Awan and another 500 grammes were handed to a subordinate of Abdul Hamid. “From the sale of this methamphetamine, Arfan and Charlie received a commission of 60 million rupiah,” said Eko.
Currently, Bareskrim is pursuing Ko Andre “The Doctor”. Andre’s name has been added to the most wanted persons list (DPO).