Malaysian Network Distributes 'Batman' Etomidate Concealed in Basmati Rice

The Narcotics Investigation Directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police has thwarted the distribution of etomidate and ecstasy, which were disguised inside packaging for Indian basmati rice.

During the operation, police arrested two men, identified by the initials T (26) and Y (29).

The discovery began following reports from the public regarding narcotics distribution activities at a boarding house in the Paseban area, Central Jakarta. Police subsequently investigated the report and apprehended the two suspects on Saturday (20/6).

At the scene, police also found one cardboard box containing five packets of basmati rice and one packet of curry powder, which had been modified to serve as storage for the narcotics.

“Inside the packaging, we found 94 cartridges of ‘Batman’ branded etomidate as well as 100 ecstasy pills,” stated AKBP Triyatno Pamungkas, Head of Sub-directorate 2 of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Narcotics Investigation Directorate, in a statement on Thursday (25/6).

Additionally, police seized four mobile phones and Rp700,000 in cash at the location, suspected to be related to the drug trafficking activities.

Following statements from the two suspects, police expanded their investigation to an apartment in the Tanah Abang area, Central Jakarta.

At the second location, police discovered an additional two ecstasy pills believed to be linked to the same distribution network.

“The method used by the suspects involved shipping via courier from the Medan region to Jakarta, disguised within Indian rice. We have also found information indicating that the suspects are linked to a Malaysian network,” said Triyatno.

The two suspects and the evidence have been taken to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Narcotics Investigation Directorate office for further investigation.