Police Thwart Drug Trafficking Worth Rp8.2 Billion During Long Holiday
The Batam-Rnpmjs-Galang City Police (Polresta Barelang) in the Riau Islands have thwarted the distribution of various types of narcotics worth more than Rp8.2 billion during the Eid al-Adha holiday period from 25 to 31 May 2026.
Polresta Barelang Chief, Commissioner Anggoro Wicaksono, stated that the suspects apprehended include nine men and three women. “The Narcotics Unit of Polresta Barelang successfully disrupted narcotics trafficking during the Eid al-Adha holiday. From eight police reports, we have detained 12 suspects with evidence valued at over Rp8.2 billion,” he said in Batam on Tuesday.
According to Anggoro, the perpetrators allegedly utilised the long holiday momentum to distribute narcotics, but were intercepted by the narcotics unit. The total economic value of the seized evidence is estimated to reach Rp8,206,038,080, with the majority consisting of etomidate-infused vape cartridges, which possess a very high circulation value.
The seized evidence includes vape cartridges containing etomidate valued at Rp8.016 billion, 15.32 grams of methamphetamine valued at Rp18.3 million, 2,038 grams of cannabis valued at Rp8.1 million, and 327 ecstasy pills valued at Rp163.5 million.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Polresta Barelang Narcotics Unit, Commissioner Arsyad Riyandi, explained that one notable case involved the discovery of approximately two kilograms of cannabis in the Batam Kota area on 30 May 2026. The suspect was apprehended at a house in Batam Kota.
Additionally, police uncovered the distribution of etomidate-infused vapes on 30 May 2026, arresting two suspects in the Teluk Tering area of Batam Kota. The evidence is suspected to have entered through port routes and was found in a company dormitory. “In the field, one cartridge of etomidate vape can be sold for an average of around Rp3 million,” Arsyad noted.
The suspects face charges under the New Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023) and the Narcotics Law (Law No. 35 of 2009), with potential penalties of up to life imprisonment.
Chief Anggoro revealed that current trends in narcotics abuse show an increasing interest in etomidate vapes, noting that most of these products originate from Malaysia. He emphasised that Batam’s position, bordering a neighbouring country, makes it a key entry point for narcotics into Indonesia. “Batam may not be the final destination for this distribution; the city serves as a gateway before goods are circulated to other regions in Indonesia,” he added.
Polresta Barelang Chief Anggoro added that the police are continuing to investigate the suspects’ networks to uncover suppliers and distribution routes. He urged the public to stay away from drugs, stating they only harm individuals and families, and encouraged citizens to report any known drug trafficking to the police.