Police in West Jakarta have successfully dismantled an illegal operation selling restricted prescription drugs, following a raid on a local grocery store on Saturday (May 2). Authorities arrested two suspects, identified as 26-year-old ZF and 22-year-old MA, during the operation.
The investigation was prompted by reports from concerned residents regarding suspicious activity at a kiosk located near the railway crossing in Kalideres, West Jakarta. Kalideres Police Chief Commissioner Rihold Sihotang explained that local citizens had grown uneasy due to the frequent, questionable transactions occurring at the storefront.
“The operation targeted a kiosk posing as a regular grocery store located on Jalan Gagak, RT 07 RW 08, Semanan, Kalideres. We successfully raided the premises this past Saturday,” Rihold stated on Sunday (May 3). Upon inspecting the site, officers discovered hundreds of restricted pills of various types, all of which were allegedly prepared for illegal distribution.
Rihold further clarified that this crackdown is part of a broader directive from Metro Jaya Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri. The initiative aims to strictly eradicate the illicit sale of prescription-only medication across Jakarta and its surrounding areas, addressing the misuse of these drugs that poses a significant public health risk.
Emphasizing the danger these drugs pose to the community—particularly the younger generation—Rihold vowed that the police would continue to target similar illegal operations. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.
“If any citizens encounter similar practices or other criminal activities in the Kalideres area, please do not hesitate to contact the police hotline at 110,” Rihold added.
Echoing this sentiment, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Kalideres Police, AKP Rachmad Wibowo, highlighted the vital role of community cooperation in maintaining public safety. “We are grateful for the bravery of the residents who came forward. This case proves that the collaboration between the public and the police is essential to safeguarding our environment. We want to ensure there is no room for criminals to operate in this area,” he concluded.
Summary
Police in West Jakarta successfully dismantled an illegal operation selling restricted prescription drugs, arresting two suspects, ZF (26) and MA (22), during a raid on a Kalideres grocery store on Saturday, May 2. The investigation was initiated following reports from concerned residents regarding suspicious activity and frequent questionable transactions. Authorities discovered hundreds of restricted pills intended for illegal distribution at the premises.
This crackdown is part of a broader Metro Jaya Police directive to eradicate illicit prescription drug sales across Jakarta, addressing significant public health risks. Police urged community vigilance and cooperation, asking residents to report suspicious activities via their hotline at 110. Officials emphasized the vital role of public collaboration in maintaining safety and ensuring no room for criminals.