Facts Behind the Death of Bripda Nopandri During a Drug Raid: Went Missing Before Being Found Lifeless
The courage of Bripda Nopandri Ramadhana while carrying out his duty to eradicate drug trafficking has drawn public attention. The 23-year-old police officer died during a raid on a methamphetamine dealer in Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan.
Bripda Nopandri’s name became widely discussed after he was reported missing following the operation in Tumbang Kalemei Village, Katingan Tengah District. After a two-day search, his body was found floating in the Katingan River on Saturday, 4 July 2026.
Bripda Nopandri Ramadhana was a native of Katingan Regency. Colleagues and the community knew him as a friendly, humble figure with a strong determination to serve the country. His police career began in July 2022 after he officially became a member of the Central Kalimantan Regional Police. He started his assignment in the Samapta Directorate before being transferred to the Katingan Resort Police as Samapta personnel. His skills and dedication led his superiors to trust him to join the Narcotics Investigation Unit of the Katingan Police on 12 January 2024.
The operation that ended in tragedy began with a public report regarding suspected drug trafficking activities in Tumbang Kalemei Village. The police investigation led to a target with the initials BIO, a known repeat offender in narcotics cases. Based on this information, the Katingan Police Narcotics Unit deployed 12 personnel to conduct the raid in the early hours of Wednesday, 1 July 2026. The team was divided into two groups, one tasked with arresting the main target and the other standing by as a support team.
Initially, the operation proceeded according to plan and the police managed to secure the target. However, the situation changed drastically when several individuals at the location, along with local residents, fought back against the officers. According to police statements, the mob attacked using sharp weapons such as machetes. The situation worsened as the number of attackers grew and some were suspected of carrying homemade firearms.