Two Tramadol Dealers Posing as Cosmetic Shops Arrested in Bekasi
Metro Jaya Police uncovered a tramadol trafficking operation in Harapan Jaya, Bekasi, West Java on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
Director of the Special Criminal Investigation Unit of Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Victor Dean Mackbon, stated that two suspects identified as TM (26) and SN (24) were arrested. They sold controlled drugs under the guise of a cosmetic shop and online.
“The suspects stored and distributed pharmaceutical products classified as controlled drugs by opening shops or stalls that resembled cosmetic stores, displaying cosmetic products in the storefronts,” Victor explained during a press conference at the Metro Jaya Police headquarters on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
The locations chosen were typically quiet, with arrangements made between the suspects and buyers.
Victor said the suspects operated in an organised manner, adapting to technological advancements.
Previously, sales conducted through small roadside stalls were considered vulnerable to detection by authorities.
“A criminal sociology analysis of the suspects’ modus operandi revealed an organised and adaptive pattern to evade both law enforcement and the public,” Victor added.
Police seized 146,000 white double Y pills, 33,325 suspected Hexymer pharmaceutical tablets, 14,000 yellow pills in plastic packaging, 4,500 plain white tablets, 8,830 suspected Trihexyphenidyl pharmaceuticals, 3,450 plain-packaged pharmaceuticals, and Rp1,257,000 in cash from the suspects.
The controlled drugs were sold to informal workers such as farmers, who were promised increased energy during work when consuming the drugs.
Additionally, police findings indicated that the drugs were also targeted at protest participants.
“In several instances of demonstrations turning violent, drugs were physically found in bags carried by protesters or detected in urine tests, indicating that their destructive behaviour was triggered by drug abuse,” Ardila stated at the same event.
Therefore, police are now investigating not only the dealers but also the suppliers, which are suspected to have obtained the drugs directly from factories in large quantities.
“These drugs were originally intended for medical use but have been misused. We are currently investigating how the two suspects obtained them and their source,” he said.
They face charges under Article 435 in conjunction with Articles 138(1), (2), and (3) of the Health Law regarding misuse of pharmaceutical products, and Article 436(1) and (2) in conjunction with Article 145(1) concerning the operation of pharmaceutical services without expertise.
They face a maximum prison sentence of 12 years and/or a fine of up to Rp5 billion.