Polda Metro Jaya dismantles international etomidate laboratory network
The Narcotics Investigation Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya has dismantled a clandestine laboratory manufacturing the Class II narcotic etomidate, linked to an international network, in the Tangerang and North Jakarta areas.
Director of Narcotics Investigation at Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Ahmad David, explained that the case came to light following an operation at the Tokyo Riverside Apartment in Tangerang Regency, Banten, which was then developed to the Gold Coast Apartment in the Penjaringan area, North Jakarta, on Sunday (9/8).
"In this operation, we arrested a foreign national from China who acted as both the manufacturer and distributor," David said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
He added that the suspect is known to have been operating for approximately one month and had distributed at least 15,000 vape cartridges containing etomidate within the jurisdiction of Polda Metro Jaya.
"During the operation, officers seized evidence in the form of 350 ready-to-use etomidate cartridges and 2.8 kilograms of raw material for their production," he said.
Ahmad also explained that the 2.8 kilograms of raw material could potentially be processed into around 14,000 units of vape cartridges containing etomidate. Based on examination results, the raw material was imported from Vietnam.
Regarding the modus operandi, the suspect disguised the laboratory by designing a specific room within the apartment to look like a normal living space.
"Marketing was carried out using a drop point or drop box system, while transaction communications utilised social media," Ahmad stated.
He also urged the public to play an active role in providing information to the police if they find indications of illicit narcotics circulation in their neighbourhoods.
All parties are urged to stay away from drugs in order to save Indonesia’s younger generation.
"Currently, the suspect along with all evidence and production support equipment has been secured at the Polda Metro Jaya Narcotics Directorate Office for further examination and legal proceedings," he said.