Police dismantle synthetic tobacco drug operation from rented house in Bekasi
Bekasi Regency (ANTARA) — Bekasi Metropolitan Police have dismantled a Category I narcotic distribution case involving synthetic tobacco from a rented house in Ciantra Village, Cikarang Selatan District, Bekasi Regency, West Java, and arrested one suspect.
A male individual with initials MIA, aged 19 and a student, was apprehended by officers after allegedly mixing and selling synthetic tobacco from a rented house, said Bekasi Metro Police Chief, Senior Police Commissioner Sumarni, in Cikarang on Saturday.
He explained that the case originated from a public report regarding suspicious activity in front of Perum Graha Ciantra RT 08/04, Ciantra Village, Cikarang Selatan District on Saturday at 14:35 Western Indonesian Time.
With this information, officers quickly proceeded to the crime scene to assess the situation. Upon arrival, officers conducted initial questioning until they identified indicators that the suspect was involved in mixing synthetic tobacco. An investigation was then carried out at the suspect’s rented house.
Officers discovered and seized evidence including 48 packets of synthetic tobacco wrapped in brown tape, nine packets of synthetic tobacco in clear clip plastic, five ready-made synthetic cigarettes, one spray bottle containing seed liquid, and ten empty bottles of residual seed liquid.
“The total weight of synthetic tobacco secured reached 375.39 grammes gross and 347.53 grammes net. Additionally, liquid suspected to be synthetic seed was seized with a gross weight of 13.52 grammes and net weight of 2.5 grammes,” he said.
Based on initial examination, the suspect admitted to mixing the synthetic tobacco himself before packaging and distribution. The preliminary motive is believed to be economic factors.
The suspect has been charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) of Republic of Indonesia Law number 35 year 2009 concerning Narcotics, alternatively Article 609 paragraph (2) letter a of Republic of Indonesia Law number 1 year 2023 concerning the Criminal Code as amended by Republic of Indonesia Law number 1 year 2026 concerning Criminal Penalty Adjustments.
Potential sentences include capital punishment, life imprisonment, or imprisonment of at least six years and at most twenty years, plus a maximum fine increased by one-third.
Sumarni affirmed that police will continue to intensify patrols and enforcement against narcotics distribution in Bekasi Regency’s jurisdiction. The public is urged not to hesitate reporting any suspected narcotics abuse or distribution to officers in their respective areas.
Residents can report through the interactive complaint service Direct Chat to the Police Chief’s Office (CLBK) via WhatsApp 081383990086, the main emergency line 110, or the 24-hour complaint service at 08111939110.