Police Raid Kiosks Suspected of Selling Tramadol at Pasar Rebo Market After Residents Throw Firecrackers
JAKARTA — East Jakarta Metro Police conducted raids on several kiosks suspected of selling controlled drugs, specifically Tramadol, in the Pasar Rebo area of East Jakarta on Monday evening, 9 March 2026.
Prior to the raids, the kiosks had been targeted by residents who threw firecrackers at them in response to the suspected illegal drug sales.
“East Jakarta Metro Police conducted direct inspections regarding the suspected sale of controlled Tramadol drugs disguised as mobile phone credit and cosmetics kiosks at three locations in Pekayon and Kalisari sub-districts, Pasar Rebo district, East Jakarta,” said East Jakarta Police Chief Commissioner Alfian Nurrizal in a statement on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
However, two days before the raids, the shops had already closed, resulting in no arrests being made.
“The kiosks suspected of selling controlled drugs had been closed for two days, specifically since Saturday, 7 March 2026, after a viral video circulated on social media regarding an attack with firecrackers by unknown persons directed at the kiosks,” he said.
From the raids, which were witnessed by the neighbourhood chief and the building owner, police secured hundreds of tablets of controlled drugs.
“From one of the kiosks located on Jalan Lestari, officers managed to seize several medications, including 15 sheets or 150 Trihexyphenidyl tablets, as well as 250 yellow tablets suspected to be Tramadol,” said Alfian.
Alfian added that all evidence was secured by police for further investigation. Police are continuing to pursue those responsible for the illegal drug sales.
Previously, residents had thrown firecrackers at the shop suspected of selling Tramadol at Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta. This action was taken because residents believed their police reports had gone unanswered.
“We took the initiative ourselves to use firecrackers. We reported it to the police but weren’t heard; after they visited, the shop reopened a week later. That’s why we threw firecrackers at it,” said Akbar when confirmed on Monday, 9 March 2026.
According to him, many residents expressed concern about the suspected Tramadol sales in the area. He frequently received complaints from residents via text messages.
“Because of the distress among local residents. They shared their grievances with us through direct messages. When we threw the firecrackers, the people at the shop all ran away,” he said.