Drug Den in Samarinda Heavily Guarded by Dozens of 'Snipers' Monitoring Police

The details emerged after a joint team from the Sub-Directorate IV of the National Police Narcotics Crimes Unit and the NIC Task Force of the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency, led by Kombes Handik Zusen and Kombes Kevin Leleury, conducted undercover operations for two days in Gang Langgar.

‘On Tuesday, 12 May 2026, the joint team conducted an investigation using an undercover buy at night. From nighttime observations in Gang Langgar, there were 31 snipers—members of the drug syndicate acting as area monitors—positioned in every alley,’ explained Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crimes at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency, in a statement on Monday (18/5/2026).

Eko Hadi noted that these ‘snipers’ are tasked not only with monitoring outsiders but also with watching for approaching police officers. ‘The role of these snipers is not just to observe people coming from the outside, but also the police. They will alert the syndicate members inside if the police arrive,’ he added.

During the nighttime operation, the undercover team successfully purchased two small packets of methamphetamine (shabu) worth Rp 300,000. The evidence was seized for further investigation.

Following the confirmation of methamphetamine distribution in Gang Langlar, the team continued observations on Wednesday (13/5) afternoon. Observations revealed that the number of ‘snipers’ in Gang Langgar decreased during the day to 22 individuals. The team subsequently conducted another undercover buy, securing four small packets of methamphetamine.

On Thursday (14/5), the team trailed two suspicious individuals exiting Gang Langgar. The suspects were followed to a hotel. As the two individuals, identified as Hariyanto and Fredhy Septian Akbar, moved towards the parking area of Hotel Manau, the joint team moved in to apprehend them.

Upon searching the suspects, air rifle pellets were found in Hariyanto’s pocket. Additionally, 22 plastic clips containing methamphetamine were seized from Fredhy Septian Akbar, which had been purchased from Gang Langgar. This arrest led to a larger raid in Gang Langgar, resulting in the apprehension of 11 suspects, all of whom have been taken to the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency for further investigation.