NTT Police Narcotics Director Suspended Following Alleged Extortion of Suspects Under Investigation
The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police (Polda NTT) has suspended Director of Narcotics Investigation Kombes Pol Ardiyanto Tedjo Baskoro from his position following allegations of involvement in extortion practices against two suspects in a case concerning illegal poppers drug trafficking.
Brigadier Police Muhammad Andra Wardhana, Head of Professional Standards Division at Polda NTT, stated that the suspension was implemented to ensure that the investigation process proceeds objectively and transparently.
“To guarantee objective handling of the case, the officer concerned has been suspended from his position as Director of Narcotics Investigation at Polda NTT and is currently undergoing investigation at the National Police Professional Standards Division,” he said.
He explained that the alleged violation originated during the period from March to July 2025 when the Narcotics Investigation Directorate of Polda NTT was developing a case concerning suspected criminal activity related to the distribution of illegal poppers.
During the investigation process, allegations emerged of abuse of authority involving a middle-ranking officer along with several other personnel.
It is alleged that the officer, together with six assistant investigative personnel, extorted money from two suspects with initials SF and JH. The alleged extortion transactions reportedly reached Rp375 million.
The practice allegedly took place through asset negotiation methods and exploitation of the suspects’ detention periods, which occurred both in East Java and within the Polda NTT headquarters compound.
The incident has also impacted the ongoing legal proceedings, including obstruction of the second phase submission to the prosecutor’s office, as one of the suspects is now classified as a wanted person.
The Professional Standards Division of Polda NTT has conducted preliminary investigations into several personnel allegedly involved and has secured evidence relating to the flow of funds in the case.
Several personnel who have been questioned include Senior Police Officer HSB, Second Police Officer BB, First Police Officer OT, Police Constable AI, Police Constable First Class LBM, and Police Constable JG.
Head of Public Relations at Polda NTT, Senior Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, emphasised that this firm action represents part of the National Police institution’s commitment to maintaining integrity and public trust.
“Polda NTT is committed to taking firm action against any violations committed by its members. Enforcement of discipline and code of ethics is conducted professionally, transparently, and with accountability in order to maintain public confidence in the National Police institution,” he said.