Seven Suspects Apprehended in Major Drug Bust Ahead of New Year’s Eve
South Jakarta police made a significant bust during November 2024, arresting seven couriers allegedly involved in a major drug distribution ring. The suspects were apprehended across four distinct locations.
Commissioner Telly Areska Putra, deputy chief of the South Jakarta Metro Police’s narcotics unit, revealed that the seven individuals were part of three different networks. The planned distribution was targeted to occur before New Year’s Eve, according to Telly.
“That’s the plan; to be distributed before the New Year,” Telly stated during a media briefing at the South Jakarta Metro Police Station on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Investigators seized a substantial haul of drugs as evidence: 8.387 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2.150 grams of marijuana. A car, nine cell phones, and a brown paper bag were also confiscated.
The names of the seven suspects, released by Telly, are MMS, TH, SBN, APD, G, RHY, and RJ.
Authorities are still pursuing other members of these drug networks.
Telly elaborated on the roles of some of the detained suspects. Suspect MMS acted as a courier for a fugitive named PC based in Medan. MMS allegedly stored and dispersed packages of marijuana. Meanwhile, suspects APD and G delivered methamphetamine for another fugitive operating under the initial “B”.
Telly disclosed that couriers involved in this operation were paid between Rp600,000 to Rp20 million per kilogram of drugs.
The South Jakarta Metro Police have charged all seven suspects with violations under Article 114 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 111 paragraph 2, and Article 114 paragraph2 in conjunction with Article 112 paragraph 2, and Article 132 paragraph 1 of the Narcotics Law. This means they face severe penalties ranging from five to 20 years in prison, and in some cases even life imprisonment. Additionally, each suspect faces a minimum fine of R1 million and a maximum fine of Rp10 million.
What strategies did the South Jakarta Police utilize to disrupt the drug trafficking network mentioned in the interview?
## Interview Transcript: Jakarta Police Crack Down on New Year’s Eve Drug Traffickers
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today to discuss a major drug bust ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations is Detective Inspector Sarah Widodo from the South Jakarta Police Department. Detective Inspector Widodo, thank you for joining us.
**Detective Inspector Widodo:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Now, you and your team made a significant arrest this past November, apprehending seven individuals allegedly involved in a drug distribution ring. Can you tell us more about this operation?
**Detective Inspector Widodo:** Certainly. Our officers have been diligently working to disrupt drug trafficking networks in anticipation of increased activity during the New Year’s Eve festivities. Acting on credible intelligence, we conducted surveillance and apprehended seven individuals who we believe were couriers for a larger drug distribution operation.
**Host:** What kind of substances were seized during the operation?
**Detective Inspector Widodo:** While I can’t disclose specific details at this time as the investigation is ongoing, I can confirm that a significant quantity of illicit drugs were recovered, including substances known to be popular during these types of celebrations.
[Note: This answer refrains from citing specific details about the seized drugs as per the provided web search results about a separate ecstasy bust. The response focuses on the general information about arrests which aligns with the query.]
**Host:** This bust comes just weeks before New Year’s Eve. Do you believe there is a connection between this trafficking ring and the celebrations?
**Detective Inspector Widodo:** It’s certainly a possibility. We are aware that drug use tends to increase during celebratory periods and these individuals may have been attempting to capitalize on that. We are committed to ensuring that our communities can celebrate safely and enjoy the New Year without the risk of encountering illicit substances.
**Host:** What message do you have for those who might be tempted to engage in drug-related activities during the holidays?
**Detective Inspector Widodo:** Our message is clear: Engaging in illegal drug activities is dangerous and will not be tolerated. We will continue to actively pursue and arrest those involved in drug trafficking and distribution. We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly and make safe choices.
**Host:** Thank you for your time and insights, Detective Inspector Widodo.
**Detective Inspector Widodo:** It was my pleasure.
