Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A joint task force from Indonesia’s West Java Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) raided a clandestine drugs laboratory on Wednesday, December 11, located in an upscale residential area in Buahbatu, Bandung Regency, West Java. The luxury home was rented and converted into a facility to manufacture liquid narcotics, including “happy water” and drug-infused vape liquids.
Deputy Chief of Bareskrim, Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri explained that the investigation began after police seized liquid narcotics from a vehicle belonging to a suspect, identified as SR, during a joint operation in Bogor.
“This case started with the discovery of a suspicious package in Nanggewer Village, Cibinong. Our investigation led us to two other clandestine labs. These labs are connected to a narcotics distribution network operating between Malaysia and Indonesia,” Asep said during a press conference on Thursday, December 12, as reported by Detik.
Three Suspects Arrested, One Fugitive
Authorities have named three suspects, each with distinct roles in the operation: SR, who acted as a network liaison; SP, responsible for processing raw materials; and IV, who handled packaging. All three are now in custody.
“We are also pursuing another individual who remains on the wanted list (DPO) and is believed to be the mastermind of this drug network,” Asep added.
The suspects allegedly used residential areas as drugs laboratory and production site to avoid raising suspicion. During the raid, police confiscated 7,573 packages of “happy water,” 259 liters of flavored vape liquid, raw drug materials, and production equipment, including chemical tools and shredding machines.
“The seized evidence is estimated to be worth approximately Rp670.8 billion (around $43 million),” Asep said.
Preventing New Year Drug Distribution
The narcotics were intended for distribution in Jakarta during New Year’s celebrations. Police revealed that financial gain was the primary motive for the suspects. “The suspects planned to sell the illegal substances in Jakarta during New Year’s celebration. Their main objective was to generate profits,” Asep stated.
Authorities emphasized that the operation prevented significant harm, estimating that 9 million lives were saved from the dangers of consuming the seized drugs. “This raid successfully saved more than 9 million people from the threat of drugs, particularly happy water and liquid narcotics,” Asep said.
Indonesia’s War on Drugs
Inspector General Asep reaffirmed Indonesia’s uncompromising stance on combating drug abuse, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto’s national agenda to eliminate narcotics.
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“Under the President’s directives, the National Police Chief established a Drug Eradication Task Force. This task force collaborates with various ministries and agencies to tackle the drug problem from production to distribution,” Asep stated.
The suspects face severe penalties under Indonesia’s Narcotics Law (Law No. 35/2009). They have been charged under Article 114, Article 113, and Article 112 in conjunction with Article 132, which carry potential sentences of life imprisonment, the death penalty, or a minimum of 5 to 20 years in prison. Fines range from Rp1 billion to Rp10 billion ($65,000 to $650,000).
(Raidi/Agung)
