Criminal Investigation Division reveals police officer involved in Gang Langgar drug syndicate

The Criminal Investigation Directorate (Dittipidnarkoba) of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri) has revealed that a police officer in East Kalimantan was involved in a drug syndicate in the ‘Gang Langgar’ drug area of Samarinda. The officer, identified as Bripka DW (Dedy Wiratama), reportedly served as a ‘sniper’ or lookout.

Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crime at Bareskrim Polri, stated in Jakarta on Monday that DW is currently under investigation for violations of the Indonesian National Police Professional Code of Ethics (KEPP). This follows two separate urine tests that returned positive for narcotics consumption. He confirmed that once the ethical violation proceedings are complete, DW will face criminal prosecution for narcotics offences by the Criminal Investigation Directorate.

Previously, Bareskrim Polri dismantled an organised drug syndicate in Gang Langgar, Samarinda, resulting in the arrest of 13 suspects. Bripka DW had been placed on the wanted list (DPO) in connection with this case.

Eko explained that the ‘snipers’ were tasked with monitoring the drug transactions in Gang Langgar. Positioned in front of a modern retail shop, these lookouts would use subtle hand signals, such as ‘enter, enter’, to guide buyers. Along the route, there were reportedly 21 lookouts using handheld radios (HT) to guide users to the drug stalls in the Gang Langgar Block F area.

At the intersection of the Block F alley, the snipers enforced a rule that only one buyer could enter the sales location at a time. If buyers arrived on a motorcycle, one person was required to dismount and wait at the intersection under the supervision of the snipers. Once buyers reached the sales counter in Block F, they would pay for their drugs, with small packets of methamphetamine (shabu-shabu) priced at Rp150,000 and multiples thereof.