Police raid illegal drug operation disguised as grocery store in Jagakarsa
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s Narcotics Investigation Directorate uncovered the illegal distribution of dangerous drugs sold from a grocery stall in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.
Unit 2 of Subdirectorate 3 of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Narcotics Directorate, Police Commissioner Denny Simanjuntak, stated on Saturday in Jakarta that during the operation, officers seized thousands of unregistered Schedule G prescription drugs from the disguised grocery store.
“We apprehended a man identified as AA (29) at a shop in the Jagakarsa area of South Jakarta,” he said.
Denny also explained that the raid was conducted by Unit 2 of Subdirectorate 3 of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Narcotics Directorate on Wednesday (20/5) at around 8:50 PM WIB.
Officers targeted a green kiosk located on Joe Street, Jagakarsa Village, Jagakarsa District, South Jakarta.
Denny noted the case was uncovered following a community report suspicious of activities at the kiosk.
Residents suspected the grocery stall was merely a front for illegal drug transactions.
Following the information, police immediately conducted investigations and surveillance at the scene.
“During the raid witnessed by local security personnel, police discovered hundreds of various types of prescription drugs hidden within the kiosk,” he added.
From the suspect, officers seized evidence including 600 Eximer tablets, 40 Tramadol tablets, 40 Alprazolam 1mg tablets, and 762 unmarked white pills.
“Alongside the Schedule G drugs, we also confiscated a packet of empty plastic clips, a mobile phone used for transactions, and Rp450,000 in cash suspected to be proceeds from illegal drug sales,” he said.
For investigation and case development, suspect AA and all evidence have been taken to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Narcotics Directorate headquarters.
Meanwhile, Jakarta Metropolitan Police Public Relations Chief, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that narcotics eradication is a shared responsibility.
“Even the smallest tip from the public is invaluable to the police, starting from the immediate surroundings for us to collectively care,” Budi said.
He also urged residents to report potential public security and order disturbances via the 24-hour Polri Call Centre 110.