Police Arrest Man Who Hid Methamphetamine in a Light Bulb

The Narcotics Unit (Satresnarkoba) of the Penajam Paser Utara (PPU) Police have successfully uncovered a new modus operandi for illegal drug distribution in the region. A 35-year-old man with the initials TR, a resident of Girimukti Village, was arrested by officers after being caught hiding methamphetamine inside a modified light bulb. PPU Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Andreas Alek Danantara, through Narcotics Unit Head First Inspector Gede Wijaya, explained that the suspect’s arrest took place on Thursday (4/6) at a boarding house located in RT 024, Waru Village, Waru District, PPU. “This is a relatively new modus operandi in the PPU region. The suspect tried to deceive officers by storing the illicit goods inside an electronic component,” said Gede Wijaya on Tuesday (9/6). The uncovering of this case stemmed from a public report about suspicious activity believed to be a narcotics transaction in the boarding house area. Following up on this information, the Narcotics Unit’s Operational Team immediately conducted an investigation and intensive surveillance. During the monitoring, officers became suspicious of TR’s movements while he was on the boarding house terrace. Officers then conducted a body search in the presence of several witnesses. Initially, the police found one packet of methamphetamine in the right trouser pocket of the suspect. The officers’ suspicions grew stronger when they found a light bulb in TR’s left trouser pocket. Upon careful inspection, the light bulb had been modified to serve as a storage container for three additional packets of methamphetamine and clear plastic clips. Based on the preliminary examination, TR is strongly suspected of being actively involved in an illegal drug distribution network in PPU Regency. The police are currently conducting further investigations to uncover the origin of the illicit goods. For his actions, the suspect is charged under the Narcotics Law and Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Adjustments or Article 608 Paragraph (1) Letter a of the Criminal Code. TR faces a maximum penalty of death, life imprisonment, or a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. Gede Wijaya stressed that the PPU Police are fully committed to eradicating drugs to safeguard the future of the younger generation. He also appreciated the active role of the community in providing information. “Synergy between the public and law enforcement is crucial to breaking the chain of drug distribution. We urge residents not to hesitate to report suspicious activities in their neighbourhood,” he concluded.