Three Teenagers in East Jakarta Caught by Residents Searching for Synthetic Cannabis During Tarawih Prayers

Residents apprehended three teenagers in Cipayung subdistrict, East Jakarta, after catching them searching for a pre-ordered consignment of synthetic tobacco, commonly known as sinte.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Cipayung Police Station, Inspector Edy Handoko, said the incident occurred on Wednesday evening (18 February) during Tarawih prayers. The three teenagers were unable to locate the sinte that had been left for them by an unidentified individual.

“They were searching for it — they had ordered it from someone via social media, who told them it had been left at a particular spot. They couldn’t find it, and were caught by residents,” Edy told reporters on Thursday (19 February 2026).

Police subsequently took custody of the three teenagers after their apprehension by residents. All three will be subjected to urine tests.

“As a follow-up, we will conduct urine checks. Their parents have been summoned,” he explained.

The three youths are currently undergoing questioning at the police station. Authorities are also investigating the origin of the sinte purchased by the teenagers.

“Yes, we are looking into it — it is rather difficult when it is done online,” he concluded.