Suspected Drug Dealer in Demak Posed as Iced Tea Seller

Demak (ANTARA) - A suspected methamphetamine dealer, identified by the initials SR (33), allegedly posed as an iced tea seller along a roadside in Sayung District, Demak Regency, Central Java. The suspect was arrested on Monday (8/6) while manning his stall on a pavement in the Sayung area, which is known for frequent traffic congestion, according to Demak Police Narcotics Unit Chief Iptu Yusup during a press conference at Demak Police Headquarters on Friday. Police believe the beverage stall served as a front for distributing crystal methamphetamine. An initial search uncovered a 0.5-gramme packet of methamphetamine in the suspect’s pocket. Further investigation based on data found on the suspect’s mobile phone led to the seizure of additional evidence, bringing the total to approximately seven grammes of methamphetamine. Officers suspect the dealer employed various methods, ranging from direct face-to-face cash-on-delivery transactions to a ‘drop-off’ system where drugs were left at pre-arranged locations for buyers to collect. SR, a resident of Purwosari District in Semarang City, had been on the police wanted list for about six months after being named a fugitive in a drug case uncovered at the end of 2025. He is also a repeat offender, having served a prison sentence for a similar narcotics offence in 2019. Meanwhile, Demak Police reported that as of June 2026, they have uncovered 29 drug cases involving 33 suspects since January. The majority of the evidence seized was crystal methamphetamine. The force affirmed it will continue to intensify efforts to eradicate drug trafficking within its jurisdiction, including pursuing perpetrators who attempt to disguise their illegal activities through various modus operandi.