Central Java Police Uncover Methamphetamine Distribution Using 'Web Address' Modus Operandi
The Narcotics Directorate of the Central Java Police (Polda Jateng) has once again uncovered a methamphetamine distribution operation using a ‘web address’ or drop-off system. In the operation, officers arrested two men strongly suspected of acting as intermediaries and distributors in the Boyolali and Sukoharjo regencies.
The two suspects apprehended are YAP, 25, a resident of Baki District, Sukoharjo Regency, and KUS, 41, a resident of Colomadu District, Karanganyar Regency. The arrests followed up on a public report regarding suspicious activity in the Ngemplak District, Boyolali.
Director of Narcotics Investigation at the Central Java Police, Senior Commissioner Yos Guntur, revealed that the Sub-Directorate 1 team conducted intensive surveillance until they successfully identified the perpetrators. Both were arrested in front of a shop on Jalan Mangu, Ngemplak District, Boyolali, on Friday (4/7) at approximately 11.05 p.m. local time.
‘From the initial interrogation, suspect YAP admitted to being at the location to collect approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine. Officers also obtained information regarding several other narcotics storage points or ’web addresses’,’ Yos Guntur said in an official statement on Monday (6/7).
During a search, police found one packet of methamphetamine near a shop wall and two more packets in the suspect’s sling bag. The investigation extended to Sukoharjo Regency based on data from the perpetrator’s mobile phone. There, officers discovered two packets of methamphetamine on Jalan Sidoluhur, Cemani Village, and one packet on Jalan Jetis, Kwarasan Village.
In total, police seized five packets of methamphetamine with a gross weight of 12.07 grams. In addition to the narcotics, a motorcycle, mobile phones, a bong, glass pipettes, scales, and other methamphetamine packaging equipment were confiscated.
Suspect YAP admitted to being instructed by an individual identified only as P, who remains at large, to collect methamphetamine in bulk, break it down into smaller packages, and then place them back at specific points according to instructions. For every 10 grams of methamphetamine successfully distributed, YAP received a payment of IDR 1 million. He confessed to having carried out this operation four times, while KUS was lured with the promise of free methamphetamine consumption.
Senior Commissioner Yos Guntur stressed that the ‘web address’ or drop-off system is used by drug networks to avoid face-to-face transactions. ‘This modus operandi exploits communication technology to send location coordinates. We will continue to pursue the main supplier, who is currently still at large,’ he asserted.
Both suspects are currently detained at the Central Java Police Headquarters. They are charged under Article 114(2) in conjunction with Article 112(2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, in connection with Law Number 1 of 2023 (the new Criminal Code), which carries a maximum penalty of death, life imprisonment, or up to 20 years in prison.