Sepaku Police Arrest Drug Dealer in Indonesia's New Capital Area
Sepaku Police, part of the Penajam Paser Utara Regency Police in East Kalimantan, have uncovered a case of methamphetamine distribution in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) area, specifically in Bumi Harapan Village, Sepaku District. Officers arrested a man identified as EH (25) along with the evidence.
Penajam Paser Utara Police Chief AKBP Andreas Alek Danantara, through Sepaku Police Chief AKP Syarifuddin, stated on Tuesday that the case was uncovered on Saturday around 9:30 p.m. local time with the arrest of EH, a resident of Bukit Raya Village, Sepaku District. “This operation demonstrates the Sepaku Police’s commitment to protecting its jurisdiction from the threat of drug trafficking, especially as Sepaku District is a strategic area that is part of the IKN,” he said.
The case began with a tip-off from the public regarding suspicious transactions involving methamphetamine in Bumi Harapan Village. Following the report, the Sepaku Police Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Units conducted an in-depth investigation. Residents had expressed unease over the rampant drug abuse in the area. Acting on the information, officers carried out surveillance and eventually apprehended a man suspected of involvement in the illicit drug network.
The arrest occurred when members of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Units became suspicious of a white Grand Max vehicle driven by EH travelling along Jalan Negara in Bumi Harapan Village. Officers stopped the vehicle and, during a search, discovered four packets of methamphetamine with a gross weight of approximately 1.97 grammes hidden in various parts of the car’s interior. They also seized Rp450,000 in cash from the suspect’s pocket, believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
“During the examination and search, officers found four packets suspected to contain methamphetamine. Several other items of evidence allegedly related to the narcotics offence were also secured,” said AKP Syarifuddin. In addition to the drugs and cash, police confiscated a methamphetamine smoking device (bong), plastic clips, two mobile phones, a wallet, and the vehicle used by the suspect.
Preliminary examination revealed that the suspect claimed to have obtained the methamphetamine from someone in the Balikpapan area. The identity of the supplier is still under investigation as officers work to uncover a wider distribution network. The Sepaku Police Chief stressed that his department will not tolerate drug abuse or trafficking within its jurisdiction. He noted that narcotics pose a real threat to the younger generation and public safety, and called on all elements of society to join the fight against drugs.
“We also appreciate the active role of the community in providing information to the police so that this case could be uncovered quickly,” he asserted. The suspect is currently detained at the Sepaku Police station for further legal proceedings. Investigators are continuing to develop the case to uncover the possible involvement of other perpetrators. The suspect is charged under Article 114(1) and/or Article 112(1) of Indonesian Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics.