Police: Perpetrators distributed etomidate covertly in nightlife venues
The Narcotics Criminal Investigation Unit of the North Jakarta Metro Police stated that perpetrators were distributing etomidate without the knowledge of the management at Alexa Suites and Lounge in the Penjaringan area, North Jakarta.
“They enter the nightlife venue like ordinary visitors. Then, secretly, they offer the illegal substances to potential buyers,” said the Head of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Unit of North Jakarta Metro Police, AKBP Ari Galuntas Saputro, in Jakarta on Saturday.
According to him, the perpetrators entered the venue covertly from the management and offered the illicit goods to visitors. At the time of their arrest, the suspects were inside the venue, blending in as regular guests. “When we investigated, he was just sitting there, like any other visitor,” Ari added.
He further explained that the management became suspicious after observing unusual transaction activities, which they subsequently reported to the police. The management suspected suspicious transactions and contacted law enforcement.
“Upon investigation, it was confirmed that there was indeed the circulation of etomidate,” said Ari. “He observes the people first. This item is expensive; one cartridge can be sold for up to Rp5 million,” he revealed.
In addition to direct solicitation within nightlife venues, officers discovered another sales method: the suspects allegedly accepted orders via WhatsApp and delivered the illegal goods using online motorcycle taxi services. “He also carries out deliveries. We are still tracing this. Deliveries are made through online platforms, and communication is conducted via WhatsApp,” Ari explained.
He noted that transactions were conducted discreetly. Once the goods were received by the buyer, conversations and transaction traces were frequently deleted to eliminate evidence.
Previously, two etomidate traffickers, identified by the initials FIS and WS, were arrested at Alexa Suites and Lounge in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. Both suspects are charged under Article 119, Paragraph 2 of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics. “They face a minimum prison sentence of four years and a maximum of 12 years, as well as fines of up to Rp8 billion,” Ari concluded.