Police Arrest 92 Illegal Tramadol Dealers in Central Jakarta, Seize Over 118,000 Prescription Drugs

The Narcotics Investigation Unit of the Central Jakarta Metro Police has arrested 92 perpetrators involved in the illegal distribution of prescription drugs, such as Tramadol, within the Central Jakarta area. A total of 118,494 tablets were seized during the operation.

“From this disclosure, the police have secured 92 suspects and seized 118,494 tablets of various types of illegal prescription drugs,” stated Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Kombes Reynold EP Hutagalung, in a statement on Friday (31/07/2026).

Between January and July 2026, the Narcotics Unit uncovered 68 cases of illegal prescription drug circulation. The Tanah Abang area recorded the highest number of case disclosures. “From these dozens of cases, Tanah Abang was the region with the highest number of disclosures, with 35 cases involving 41 suspects. During July 2026 alone, the police recorded 14 police reports with 16 suspects successfully apprehended,” he revealed.

The seized evidence consists of various types of illegal prescription drugs, including 54,434 tablets of Tramadol, 24,518 tablets of Hexymer, 14,165 tablets of Double Y, 6,208 tablets of Trihexyphenidyl, 3,841 tablets of Merlozepam, 3,000 tablets of Nova, 2,998 tablets of Alprazolam, and thousands of other illegal drugs, totalling 118,494 tablets.

According to Reynold, the perpetrators were selling prescription drugs without permits and in violation of applicable regulations. The drugs were distributed through various methods, ranging from grocery stores and cosmetic shops to using aquarium shops as a front to deceive authorities.

“Law enforcement will no longer be limited by location. Whether in stations, terminals, shop-houses, shopping centres, or economic activity hubs, if illegal prescription drug circulation is found, we will take firm action,” he said.

Central Jakarta Narcotics Unit Head, AKBP Wisnu Setiyando Kuncoro, explained that while Tramadol and other prescription drugs can be used for medical purposes when obtained via a pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription, abuse occurs because these drugs are being sold freely without supervision. “The effects of these drugs can cause euphoria and dependency if consumed excessively. Therefore, their misuse is not much different from narcotics and must be a shared concern of the community,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Tanah Abang Metro Police Chief, AKBP Dhimas Prasetyo, urged the public to play an active role in providing information regarding the circulation of illegal prescription drugs in the area. “In the Tanah Abang area, there were 35 cases with 41 suspects. Specifically during July 2026, there were 14 police reports with 16 suspects. We are open to any information from the public or the media. Any information provided, no matter how small, is very helpful in our law enforcement and prevention efforts, particularly in the Tanah Abang area,” he said.

For their actions, the suspects face charges under Article 435, subsidiary to Article 436, paragraph (1) and (2) of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, with a prison sentence of a minimum of five years and a maximum of 12 years.