Bareskrim Uncovers Mercury-Containing Illegal Cosmetics Factory in Cirebon

Bareskrim’s Directorate of Narcotics (Dittipidnarkoba) of the Indonesian Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency uncovered a home industry that produced illegal cosmetics without an approval from BPOM and containing mercury in the Cirebon area, West Java, on Monday (18 May). ‘The disclosure of a home industry in pharmaceutical preparations in the form of cosmetics containing mercury without BPOM distribution approval in Cirebon, West Java, in accordance with Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health,’ said Brig. Gen. Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crime, in a written statement, on Wednesday (20 May). The disclosure began after the Sub-Directorate III of Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri received information regarding the circulation of BPOM-unapproved cosmetics containing mercury in Cirebon. The team went to the first location on Jalan Fatahilah, used to ship the cosmetics. At that location, police arrested three men and seized evidence: three sacks of ready-to-dispatch packages. The three suspects were identified as R, who claimed to be an employee; SA, who claimed to be the owner of the Lauglow account; and MAR, who claimed to be an employee. From them, police learned there was another partner named NS. The team then moved to Jalan Syeikh Marzuki and arrested Nanang. Nanang told police that he produced the mercury-containing cosmetics at Jalan Wijaya Kusuma. The team went to that address and found a variety of cosmetics ready for sale, as well as several raw materials for production. Eko disclosed that, based on the investigation, the illegal cosmetics business was run separately by SA and NS. They sold mercury-based products under brands Lavia, Fiana, Heti, Lou Glow, Lyawzskin, and Friska. Eko also revealed that all mercury-containing cosmetics were produced by NS autodidactically with the help of R, who was employed. From this operation, NS reportedly achieved turnover of around Rp50 million per month since 2024 from sales via social media. ‘NS learned how to make illegal cosmetics from YouTube. The cosmetics come in two pack sizes: 15 grams sold at Rp12,000 and 30 grams at Rp24,000,’ Eko said. Meanwhile SA had been producing illegal cosmetics since 2025 with assistance from RA. They produced the cosmetics with knowledge obtained from YouTube. ‘SA’s TikTok sales accounts are Lyawzskin and Lou Glow. Monthly turnover averages around Rp21 million. Cream packaging is available in two sizes: 15 grams at Rp12,500 and 30 grams at Rp21,500,’ Eko stated. They face charges under Article 435 of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health.