Berau Police Arrest Drug Dealer with 28 Methamphetamine Packages in Tanjung Redeb
Berau Police’s Narcotics Unit (Satresnarkoba) in East Kalimantan has uncovered another case of illegal drug trafficking of Class I narcotics, specifically methamphetamine, in Tanjung Redeb Village. Officers arrested a suspected dealer identified as MAT (23) with 28 packets.
Berau Regency Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ridho Tri Putranto, via Narcotics Unit Chief Inspector Agus Priyanto, accompanied by Public Relations Officer Inspector Muhammad Kasim Kahar, stated on Tuesday (26 May) that the suspect was arrested on Sunday (24 May). Officers seized 28 packets with a total gross weight of 18.64 grams.
“The operation against suspect MAT began following a tip-off from the public regarding suspected drug trafficking activities in Tanjung Redeb Village around 1:30 PM WITA,” he said.
After receiving the public report and verifying the information, Narcotics Unit personnel proceeded to the location and conducted an investigation.
During the investigation, at approximately 4:30 PM WITA, officers spotted a suspicious man and apprehended him in Tanjung Redeb Village, who later identified himself as MAT.
“During initial questioning, MAT admitted to being a dealer and stated he still had methamphetamine in his possession,” he said.
In the presence of the RT head and local residents unrelated to the suspect, officers conducted a search and seized an Infinix silver-coloured smartphone during the initial check.
“Following further questioning, MAT admitted he had more methamphetamine stored along Poros Bangun Road in Sambaliung Village, Sambaliung District,” he said.
According to him, based on the suspect’s statement, officers proceeded to the location and successfully recovered the drugs, which had been hidden by the roadside.
“At the scene, police seized 28 small packets of suspected methamphetamine, 28 black plastic straws, a white toothpaste box, and another smartphone,” said Agus Priyanto.
Based on the evidence collected, he added, the suspect and seized items were taken to Berau Police Headquarters for further questioning and legal proceedings.
He stressed the suspect faces charges under Article 114(2) of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, along with provisions related to possession and control of Class I narcotics not derived from plants.
“We appreciate public assistance in helping police uncover suspected narcotics crimes in Berau Regency. We urge residents to continue reporting information to authorities to prevent and eradicate drug trafficking in their communities,” he concluded.
Earlier the same day, Berau Police Narcotics Unit also uncovered a separate case of illegal drug trafficking in Tanjung Redeb Village, Tanjung Redeb District. Officers seized a male suspect identified as TR (22) along with 68 packets of methamphetamine weighing a total of 53.56 grams.