Police arrest distributor of thousands of illegal prescription pills in Cengkareng

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Police have arrested a man with the initials AIS suspected of distributing thousands of illegal, unlicensed prescription-only drugs in the Cengkareng area of West Jakarta.

Cengkareng Police Chief AKP Rahis Fathlillah confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, stating that officers detained the man, who was riding a black Honda Beat Street motorcycle, for travelling against the flow of traffic. A subsequent search of the vehicle’s storage compartment uncovered evidence including 1,000 Hexymer tablets, 1,500 Tramadol tablets, and Rp172,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

A mobile phone used in the drug distribution activities was also seized. The investigation began following a tip-off from the public about a suspected Tramadol transaction on Jalan Daan Mogot, East Cengkareng, on Friday, 31 July, at around 4.30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect obtained the drugs from a supplier identified only as Y, who has now been placed on the wanted list. The thousands of prescription pills were reportedly intended to be transported to the Rangkasbitung area in Lebak Regency, Banten, for retail sale.

For his actions, the suspect is charged under Article 435 in conjunction with Article 138 paragraph (2) and/or Article 436 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 145 paragraph (1) of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 12 years.

Rahis urged the public to continue playing an active role in providing information if they become aware of any suspected drug abuse or distribution of dangerous pharmaceuticals in their neighbourhoods. He emphasised that synergy between the police and the community is key to creating a safe, healthy environment free from the abuse of dangerous drugs.