Head of Narcotics Unit in Kutai Kartanegara Arrested by Police; Chronology Revealed

The East Kalimantan Regional Police (Polda Kaltim) have officially named the Head of the Narcotics Unit of the Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) Police, AKP YBK, as a suspect in a narcotics criminal case. The junior officer is alleged to be involved in a distribution network for synthetic narcotics in the form of liquid vape cartridges.

The designation of the suspect was announced by the Head of Public Relations of Polda Kaltim, Kombes Pol Yuliyanto, alongside the Director of Narcotics, Kombes Pol Romylus Tamtelahitu, and the Head of Internal Affairs, Kombes Pol Hariyanto, during a press conference in Samarinda on Sunday.

Director of Narcotics for Polda Kaltim, Kombes Romylus Tamtelahitu, explained that the case was uncovered through intensive coordination with Customs regarding suspicious packages being sent via courier services. The investigation culminated on 30 April 2026, when officers intercepted a man, identified by the initials AB, while he was collecting a package at a courier service in Tenggarong. Further investigation revealed that AB is a member of the Indonesian National Police acting under the orders of AKP YBK.

Forensic laboratory results confirmed the discovery of 20 vape liquid cartridges containing Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a Class II synthetic narcotic. The investigation revealed that AKP YBK allegedly ordered similar packages on five separate occasions, totalling approximately 100 cartridges.

Following a case review involving the Internal Affairs Division, the Inspectorate, and the Legal Division, AKP YBK’s status was officially upgraded to suspect in the early hours of 1 May 2026. He faces multiple charges under Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics.

In addition to criminal imprisonment, AKP YBK faces severe internal sanctions. The Head of Internal Affairs, Kombes Pol Hariyanto, emphasised that the suspect will undergo a professional code of ethics trial, with the possibility of Dishonorable Discharge (PTDH). “In accordance with Government Regulation Number 1 of 2003 and Police Regulation Number 7 of 2022, the heaviest sanction is PTDH. There is no room for narcotics abusers within the Indonesian National Police,” Hariyanto stated.

Polda Kaltim has urged the public to remain vigilant against the circulation of narcotics in liquid vape form. The HHC substance found in this case is a dangerous substance that has been included in the latest regulations by the Ministry of Health as a narcotic.