Police uncover one-kilogramme methamphetamine distribution in Pasar Baru
The Narcotics Unit of the Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police has uncovered a drug trafficking case involving more than one kilogramme of crystal methamphetamine in the Pasar Baru area. A 32-year-old man, identified by the initials RN, was arrested on Tuesday evening for allegedly acting as an intermediary in the sale and purchase of narcotics.
Central Jakarta Police Chief Senior Commissioner Reynold E.P. Hutagalung stated on Saturday that the case came to light after Unit II of the Narcotics Unit received a tip-off from the public about suspected drug distribution in the Pasar Baru area of Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta. Officers subsequently conducted an investigation and apprehended RN at around 7.30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time next to the Home Decor Indonesia shop on Jalan Pintu Air Raya, Pasar Baru.
During a search, police discovered a clear plastic package containing crystal methamphetamine with a gross weight of approximately 1,022.3 grammes stored inside a black and green bag. Officers also seized two mobile phones, a Pocco and an OPPO, as well as a Honda Vario motorcycle believed to have been used in the drug distribution activities.
The police chief emphasised that the case reflects the force’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking. “We will not give any space to drug traffickers in the Central Jakarta area. We will follow up on every piece of information from the public, as it is a crucial part of maintaining security and saving the younger generation,” he said. He also urged the public to play an active role in protecting their neighbourhoods from the threat of drugs and to contact the Police Call Centre on 110 if they witness any criminal activity or require police assistance.
Head of the Central Jakarta Narcotics Unit, Assistant Commissioner Wisnu S. Kuncoro, explained that the suspect acted as a courier within the distribution network. “The suspect RN obtained the methamphetamine from an individual with the initials EL. He was then waiting for instructions to hand over the goods to another party. We are currently conducting further investigations to uncover the rest of the network,” he stated. The suspect is charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2026 on Criminal Code Adjustments. Police estimate that the seizure of the methamphetamine could save approximately 1,000 people from the dangers of drug abuse.