Bareskrim Foils Methamphetamine and Ecstasy Distribution in Pekanbaru, Two Arrested
The Directorate of Drug Crimes at the Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has foiled the distribution of methamphetamine and ecstasy in the Pekanbaru area, Riau. Two suspects were apprehended during the operation.
Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Drug Crimes at Bareskrim, stated that the case came to light following a public tip-off about narcotics transactions in the area. Police immediately followed up on the report.
“Based on information from the public, drug transactions involving methamphetamine and ecstasy were frequently occurring on Jalan Bukit Barisan, Pekanbaru,” Eko said in a statement on Wednesday (22/7/2026).
During observation, investigators became suspicious of a white Toyota Innova Reborn with suspicious movements. After the vehicle was stopped and searched, officers found a bag on the middle seat containing a cardboard box of narcotics.
“The search uncovered a bag on the middle seat of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the bag contained a cardboard box holding 10 large packages of methamphetamine, 12 packages of ecstasy, and 6 packages of etomidate liquid,” Eko revealed.
The first suspect arrested was Hermansyah, also known as Ucok. During questioning, Ucok admitted that the narcotics were to be distributed to the regions of South Sumatra and Jambi.
“Suspect Hermansyah explained that the methamphetamine was to be sent to Palembang, while the ecstasy was destined for Jambi,” Eko stated.
Ucok told investigators that he was promised a substantial sum if he successfully delivered the illicit goods. He was promised Rp 100 million for the methamphetamine shipment and Rp 60 million for the ecstasy by an individual with the initials OTE.
“If the delivery was successful, the suspect would receive an upah of Rp 100 million for the methamphetamine and Rp 60 million for the ecstasy,” he said.
The investigation did not stop there. Officers then conducted a follow-up operation at the D’Lira Syariah Hotel in Pekanbaru, where they arrested Yuyun, who acted as the courier responsible for handing over the narcotics to Ucok.
“At the location, we apprehended suspect Yuyun, who served as the courier and handed the narcotics to suspect Hermansyah,” Eko explained. “The search uncovered evidence including nine vapes containing etomidate and one etomidate smoking device.”
Based on initial questioning, Yuyun claimed to have been instructed by a Malaysian national with the initials SAM, who is now a wanted fugitive. Furthermore, suspicions have emerged regarding the involvement of an individual within a correctional facility.
“The suspect was recruited by an individual with the initial P to act as a courier. P is believed to be operating from inside a prison, and this is currently under further investigation,” Eko stressed.
Yuyun admitted to having worked as a courier twice on P’s orders, receiving a payment of Rp 25 million. Both suspects, along with the evidence, have been taken to Bareskrim headquarters for further investigation.
For their actions, the suspects face charges under Article 114 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, as well as articles within Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, which carry a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.