Wednesday, 04 November 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - Barelang Police uncovered nine drug-related cases in October 2026, arresting 12 suspects and seizing various narcotics with an estimated street value of IDR 502 million. The operation forms part of ongoing police efforts to curb illegal drug trafficking in Batam, in Indonesia's Riau Islands Province, and dismantle the networks behind its distribution.
During the operations, the Barelang Police Narcotics Investigation Unit (Satresnarkoba) seized 154.24 grams of crystal methamphetamine (net weight), 9.18 grams of cannabis, 163 ecstasy tablets with a net weight of 66.61 grams, and 90 units of liquid or vape products suspected of containing etomidate. The total weight or volume of these products was recorded as 255 grams or millilitres.According to police estimates, the seizures could help protect approximately 4,100 people from the potential dangers of drug abuse. The results also highlight the importance of cooperation between the police, relevant government agencies and the public in tackling the threat posed by illegal drug trafficking.
Barelang Police Chief Senior Commissioner Anggoro Wicaksono led a press conference and the subsequent destruction of the seized narcotics at 11.30 am Western Indonesian Time on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. The event took place in the lobby of Barelang Police Headquarters.He was accompanied by the Head of the Barelang Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, Commissioner Dr Arsyad Riyandi, and the Head of the Barelang Police Public Relations Section, Chief Superintendent Budi Santosa.
Anggoro Wicaksono said the Narcotics Investigation Unit had handled a total of nine police reports throughout October 2026. During the investigations, officers arrested 12 suspects, all of whom were men.
The suspects were identified by their initials as MT (39), YK (27), NZ (33), TO (30), S (39), PA (40), N alias A (35), F alias I (42), RA (33), NR (22), SH alias R (28) and RE alias O (45).During the arrests, investigators seized 51 packets or portions of crystal methamphetamine with a net weight of 154.24 grams, along with six packets of cannabis weighing 9.18 grams. They also confiscated 163 ecstasy tablets with a net weight of 66.61 grams.
In addition, officers found 90 units of liquid or vape products suspected of containing etomidate. These comprised 20 packs of the Thugs brand and 70 packs of the Wang Lai brand. Their reported total weight or volume was 255 grams or millilitres.Police estimated the total street value of all evidence seized during the investigations at IDR 502 million. Based on police calculations, the confiscated narcotics could potentially protect around 4,100 people from the dangers of drug abuse.
The investigative success was attributed to cooperation between Barelang Police and the Batam Class II Customs Office. Members of the public also played an important role by providing information about suspected illegal drug trafficking activities.
In addition to presenting the investigation results, the Narcotics Investigation Unit destroyed narcotics seized in connection with six police reports. The items destroyed included 16 packets or portions of crystal methamphetamine with a net weight of 446.75 grams, 118 ecstasy tablets weighing 47.44 grams, and 81 units of liquid or vape products suspected of containing etomidate, with a net weight of 229.71 grams or millilitres.
Of the 81 liquid or vape units, 17 packs were from the Thugs brand and 64 packs were from the Wang Lai brand.The destruction of the evidence forms part of the criminal investigation and prosecution process. It is also intended to ensure transparency and demonstrate police accountability in the proper handling of evidence seized during investigations.
Representatives from various external institutions also attended the event to support oversight and inter-agency cooperation. Those present included representatives of the Head of the Batam City National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the Chairman of the National Anti-Drug Movement (Granat) in the Riau Islands Province, Syamsul Paloh, representatives of the Batam Customs Office, the Batam District Prosecutor's Office, the Batam District Court, legal representatives of the suspects, and representatives of the Batam City Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).The involvement of these institutions demonstrates that effective action against drug-related crime requires coordination across multiple agencies. This includes police operations, criminal prosecution, and the monitoring and supervision of seized evidence.
In his statement, the Barelang Police Chief said investigators were applying various criminal law provisions against the suspects. The specific legal charges would depend on the alleged offences and each individual's suspected role in the respective cases.
The provisions include Article 609 paragraph (1) point (a), Article 609 paragraph (2) point (a), Article 609 paragraph (1) point (b), and Article 609 paragraph (2) point (b) of Indonesian Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP), as amended by Indonesian Law No. 1 of 2026 concerning Adjustments to Criminal Law Provisions.Investigators are also applying Article 114 paragraph (1) of Indonesian Law No. 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics. Depending on the offence, the penalties stipulated under these provisions range from 10, 12 and 15 years to a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment. Additional fines may also be imposed in accordance with the applicable categories, ranging from IDR 200 million to IDR 2 billion.
The application of these various legal provisions forms part of the criminal proceedings aimed at ensuring that the suspects' alleged involvement in drug-related offences is addressed in accordance with the law.Anggoro also stressed that police efforts to uncover drug networks depended heavily on public support. Efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking could not achieve their full potential without active community involvement and a willingness among residents to share relevant information.
He urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities linked to illegal drug trafficking or suspected drug abuse in their neighbourhoods to the relevant authorities without delay.
To make it easier for the public to report suspicious activities, the Barelang Police Chief encouraged residents to use the police emergency hotline 110. This service is available 24 hours a day and allows members of the public to submit information online or request police assistance.
He also appealed to residents to stay away from drugs and avoid any activities associated with drug abuse or illegal trafficking. The dangers of narcotics threaten not only individual health but can also cause lasting harm to families, communities and the future of younger generations.Through the press conference and the destruction of the seized evidence, Barelang Police reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening efforts against illegal drug trafficking networks. The force also pledged to expand cooperation with government agencies, law enforcement institutions and community organisations.
These joint efforts are intended to restrict the activities of drug networks, prevent substance abuse within the community and better protect young people from the dangers of illegal narcotics.With the involvement of all sections of society, Barelang Police hope to make Batam a safer and healthier place to live, free from illegal drug trafficking. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
