East Kutai Police Arrest Drug Dealer, Seize 11 Packets of Methamphetamine Weighing 49.32 Grams
A man suspected of dealing crystal methamphetamine, identified as AP (37), was arrested by the Narcotics Investigation Unit of the East Kutai Police (Polres Kutim), East Kalimantan, during a non-target operation (Non TO) under Operation Antik Mahakam 2026 on Thursday (17 July). Police also seized 11 packages of crystal meth ready for distribution from the suspect.
East Kutai Police Chief AKBP Aryansyah, accompanied by Head of the Narcotics Unit IPTU Erwin Susanto and Head of Public Relations AIPTU Wahyu Winarko, confirmed on Friday (18 July) that during the non-target operation, officers had once again foiled the circulation of crystal meth, apprehending AP along with 11 packages weighing a gross total of 49.32 grams.
“The uncovering took place on Thursday at around 15.30 Central Indonesian Time, at the scene of the arrest on Jalan Ancol, Kampung Tengah, RT 08, Singa Geweh Village, South Sangatta District, East Kutai Regency,” he said.
He explained that the case came to light following information from members of the public indicating that the location was frequently used for narcotics transactions. Following up on the report, narcotics investigators conducted intensive inquiries as part of Operation Antik Mahakam 2026.
While monitoring the location, officers spotted a man behaving suspiciously at the roadside. Upon inspection and a search, police found a black handbag being carried by the suspect.
“Inside the bag, officers found and secured evidence in the form of 11 plastic packets containing white crystals strongly suspected to be crystal meth, with a gross total weight of 49.32 grams. The contraband was stored in medium-sized clip-seal plastic bags wrapped in tissue,” he revealed.
In addition to the crystal meth, police also seized several other pieces of evidence, including several sheets of tissue, one medium-sized clip-seal plastic bag, a black handbag, and one light-green Redmi mobile phone believed to have been used to support narcotics distribution activities.
During questioning, AP admitted that all the evidence belonged to him. Police are also still probing the suspect’s statements regarding the origin of the crystal meth, which is believed to have been obtained through a particular network or supply chain.
The police chief stressed that the successful operation demonstrated the East Kutai Police’s commitment to eradicating narcotics circulation, including in cases outside the operation’s designated targets.
“This uncovering shows that even though it was not an operation target, every piece of information from the public is still followed up seriously. There is no room for drug dealers in the jurisdiction of the East Kutai Police,” Aryansyah asserted.
He noted that the success would not have been possible without the active role of community members who provided information to the police, and he expressed appreciation for residents willing to come forward.
“Synergy between the community and the police is a key element in breaking the chain of narcotics distribution in East Kutai,” the police chief said.
Echoing this, IPTU Erwin Susanto added that investigators are continuing their enquiries to uncover the possibility of other networks linked to the suspect.
Furthermore, Operation Antik Mahakam 2026 targets not only designated operation objectives but also any individual proven to have committed narcotics offences.
The suspect, A.P., has been charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) of Law Number 35/2009 on Narcotics as adjusted under the latest legislation, subsidiary to Article 609 paragraph (2) letter a of Law Number 1/2023 on the Criminal Code as amended by Law Number 1/2026 on Penal Adjustment.
Under these charges, the suspect faces a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment. The suspect and all evidence have been secured at East Kutai Police Headquarters for further investigation.
“Police will continue developing the case to uncover the wider narcotics distribution network in East Kutai Regency,” he concluded.