Depok Police Seize Over 33,000 Prescription Pills from Grocery Store Front

The Narcotics Unit of the Depok Metropolitan Police has seized 33,708 prescription-only pills during an operation spanning April to June 2026. The suspects used a grocery store selling daily necessities as a front to deceive the authorities. “The current modus operandi has shifted. From operating a shop or grocery store, they have now moved to a cash-on-delivery system,” said Depok Police Narcotics Chief Kompol Yefta Ruben on Tuesday (30/6/2026). Kompol Yefta explained that the perpetrators frequently relocated to evade detection. The illegal distribution network was uncovered through an undercover buy operation. “The sellers keep moving, almost mimicking narcotics sales. They are trying to outwit officers by constantly changing locations,” he stated. “It is dynamic, so we have to conduct undercover buys or monitor them closely to confirm the sales,” he added. Yefta clarified that under the Health Law, buyers cannot be prosecuted, only the sellers or distributors. The seized evidence includes 10,345 Tramadol pills, 22,329 Hexymer pills, 834 Trihexyphenidyl pills, and 200 Alprazolam pills. The suspects are charged under Article 435 and Article 436, paragraphs (1) and (2), of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp 5 billion. A total of 34 suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal distribution of prescription drugs and alcohol between April and June 2026. The Depok Metropolitan Police have urged the public to report any indications of prescription drug distribution by contacting the Polri call centre at 110. “The Narcotics Unit duty officer will immediately respond to make arrests,” he concluded.