Police Say Deadly Bootleg Liquor in Subang Involves Cross-Regional Network
Bandung, CNN Indonesia – New facts have been uncovered in the deadly bootleg liquor case that killed nine residents in Subang, West Java. Police have confirmed the distribution of the illegal alcohol involved a cross-regional network, with supplies coming from outside the area and the mixing process carried out at a shop in Subang Regency.
Subang Police Chief AKBP Dony Eko Wicaksono revealed that suspect HS served as a liquor supplier from the Cirebon area. Meanwhile, suspect JB was identified as the owner of a shop in Subang that sold and concocted the drinks before distributing them to consumers.
“This is not small-scale distribution. There was supply from outside the area and the mixing process was carried out at the point of sale,” Dony said at a press conference at the Patriatama Hall of Subang Police on Saturday (14/2).
From raids on the suspect’s warehouse and the shop where sales took place, police found 177 bottles of bootleg liquor, both empty and filled. Additionally, mixing ingredients, purchase receipts, one mobile phone, and one vehicle suspected of being used for distribution were seized.
Police said the BigBoss Vodka (Gembling) consumed by the victims had been mixed with energy drinks before being sold. This mixture is strongly suspected of causing severe poisoning that claimed nine lives and left two others still in intensive care.
The revelation has exposed indications of an organized distribution pattern. Supplies from Cirebon were then remixed in Subang to increase the quantity and boost profits.
“We are still investigating the possibility of other networks being involved. It is possible that other distribution channels exist,” Dony stated firmly.
Police have vowed to trace the supply chain upstream to sever the cross-regional bootleg liquor distribution network.
As previously reported, nine people were reported dead allegedly from consuming bootleg liquor in Subang Regency, West Java. Additionally, three others were still receiving intensive care at Subang Regional Hospital.
Subang Police Chief AKBP Dony Eko Wicaksono said the victims allegedly consumed BigBoss Vodka (Gembling) mixed with Kuku Bima brand powdered energy drink.
The bootleg liquor poisoning case came to light on Wednesday (11/2) at around 9:00 AM, when Ciereng Regional Hospital Subang and PTPN Hospital Subang received a number of patients with poisoning symptoms. Some victims died.
The incident originated from Sunday (8/2) through Tuesday (10/2), when the victims consumed bootleg liquor at several locations, including around Pablo, in front of GO on Jalan Ade Irma Suryani, Lapang Bintang, Jalan Sutaatmaja (Panglejar), and Jalan Emo Kurniaatmadja, Subang.
On Monday (9/2), a number of victims began arriving at Ciereng Regional Hospital and PTPN Hospital Subang with complaints of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, visual impairment, decreased consciousness, and shortness of breath. Based on preliminary examinations, the victims were diagnosed with poisoning suspected to be caused by consumption of bootleg liquor.
According to witness statements, the drinks were purchased from several kiosks or stalls near the incident locations.