Wednesday, 04 November 2026
LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The narcotics unit of the Labuhanbatu Selatan Police has uncovered a suspected cross-district drug trafficking network and arrested six men in the regencies of Labuhanbatu Selatan and Labuhanbatu, North Sumatra. During the operation, investigators seized a total of 119.57 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, measured by gross weight, along with other items suspected of being linked to drug trafficking.
The breakthrough highlights how drug trafficking can extend beyond administrative boundaries. Despite the arrests of the suspected offenders, law enforcement authorities still face the important task of tracing the origin of the drugs, identifying distribution routes and establishing whether other individuals were involved in the network.The case began with information from a member of the public through the Dumas Presisi service, alerting police to suspected crystal methamphetamine trafficking in Poncol Hamlet, Kampung Perlabian Village, Kampung Rakyat District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency.
Police acted on the information and launched an investigation. Their inquiries eventually led them to two locations suspected of being connected to the cross-district drug trafficking network.The investigation findings were presented at a press conference on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at the Labuhanbatu Selatan Police Headquarters. The event was led by the head of the narcotics unit, AKP Wilson Manahan Panjaitan, S.H. He was accompanied by the head of public relations, AKP Sujono, as well as officers from the narcotics unit, public relations department and several media representatives.
Labuhanbatu Selatan Police Chief AKBP Rosef Efendi, S.I.K., M.H., CPHR., speaking through AKP Wilson Manahan Panjaitan, said the information provided by the public had been instrumental in exposing the suspected network."The discovery of this case began with information from the public through Dumas Presisi. We immediately followed up on the information and launched an investigation. This led to the arrest of six individuals suspected of being involved in a cross-district drug trafficking network," Wilson Manahan Panjaitan said.
The narcotics investigation team began its operation at around 7pm local time on Friday, 30 October 2026, in Poncol Hamlet, Kampung Perlabian Village, Kampung Rakyat District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency.
At the scene, officers noticed two men whose behaviour appeared suspicious. Police subsequently detained both men for further examination.During a search, officers found six plastic bags containing suspected crystal methamphetamine with a total gross weight of 3.32 grammes. They also seized an electronic weighing scale, a mobile phone and IDR 150,000 in cash, all suspected of being linked to drug trafficking.
During initial questioning, the two men reportedly told investigators that they had obtained the drugs from a man identified by the initial J, who was believed to be in the Aek Nabara area of Labuhanbatu Regency.Officers then expanded their investigation and followed up on the suspects' statements. Police also examined WhatsApp messages and transfer receipts discovered during the investigation.
At around 8pm, the team moved to Gunung Selamat Hamlet, Gunung Selamat Village, Bilah Hulu District, Labuhanbatu Regency.At the second location, police arrested another four men suspected of being connected to the network under investigation.
During a search of one of the suspects, officers found 24 plastic bags containing suspected crystal methamphetamine with a total gross weight of 114.94 grammes.Investigators also found a plastic bag containing suspected crystal methamphetamine weighing 1.31 grammes gross on two other individuals. In addition, they seized various items suspected of having been used in drug trafficking.
In addition to the drugs, officers confiscated four mobile phones, three electronic weighing scales and IDR 3,850,000 in cash. Investigators suspect these items were connected to the drug trafficking operation under investigation.
The six arrested men were identified as OKI, 28; AM, also known as Bentet, 48; YF, also known as Fris, 41; ES, also known as Eko, 37; J, also known as Nedi, 45; and DH, also known as Didik, 43.The six men are from Labuhanbatu Selatan and Labuhanbatu regencies. Police are continuing to investigate the suspected offenders' respective roles within the alleged crystal methamphetamine trafficking network.
The investigation should not end with the arrest of the six men and the seizure of evidence. Tracing the drug suppliers, transaction routes and possible involvement of other individuals is essential to ensuring comprehensive law enforcement action.The network's suspected cross-district operations have also become a focus of the investigation. The mobility of the suspected offenders and the distribution of illegal substances could make monitoring more difficult unless authorities respond through continuous information-sharing, ongoing investigations and public participation.
For this reason, the willingness of members of the public to report suspected drug-related activities through official reporting channels remains an important part of efforts to curb drug trafficking.
Wilson stressed that the Labuhanbatu Selatan Police would continue to intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking. These efforts would include identifying suspected supplier networks and tracking down other individuals who may have been involved.
"We would like to thank the people of Labuhanbatu Selatan for their active participation and for providing information."The support and involvement of the public greatly assist the police in uncovering drug trafficking. We urge members of the public not to hesitate to report suspected drug abuse or drug trafficking through the police emergency number 110," he said.
He added that police would continue to prioritise community engagement, prevention and consistent law enforcement to maintain security and protect the public from the dangers of drugs.The six arrested men and the seized evidence are currently being held by the narcotics unit of the Labuhanbatu Selatan Police. They are undergoing further questioning and will subsequently face the relevant legal proceedings.
However, their legal status must continue to be treated appropriately. The suspects are presumed innocent unless and until a final court judgement establishes their guilt.Given the threat posed by drug trafficking, the public hopes that such investigative breakthroughs will not merely be recorded as successful police operations, but will also pave the way for the exposure of a wider network.
The Labuhanbatu Selatan Police and the public have reaffirmed their shared commitment to security and public order. They aim to act swiftly, carefully, consistently and sincerely. These efforts are intended to strengthen monitoring while preventing drug trafficking that threatens the safety of people in both regencies. (IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
