The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) together with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise uncovered a clandestine laboratory producing crystal methamphetamine that was operating secretly in an apartment unit in the Cisauk area, Tangerang Regency.

This discovery resulted from a joint operation on Friday at 15:24 local time in one of the apartment units located on the 20th floor.

This revelation began from the results of surveillance and in-depth observation which indicated that the apartment unit had been converted into a crystal meth production site.

During the raid, two suspects with initials IM and DF were successfully apprehended. Ironically, both were known to be repeat offenders in similar narcotics cases.

“The suspect IM acted as the cook or narcotics mixer, while DF acted as the party marketing the production output,” stated the Head of BNN.

From the investigation results, both suspects admitted to having gained fantastic profits, approximately 1 billion Rupiah over roughly six months of operation.

The modus operandi used by the perpetrators shows the complexity of current narcotics crimes. To obtain precursor materials, the perpetrators extracted 15,000 pills of asthma medication, producing about 1 kilogram of pure Ephedrine as the raw material for crystal meth.

Furthermore, all the chemicals and laboratory equipment used to produce these Category I narcotics were known to have been purchased online, showing how easily this network accessed tools and materials for their crimes.

List of Evidence and Threat of Death Penalty

In this disclosure, BNN successfully secured various important pieces of evidence.

“Crystal meth in liquid and solid forms, various chemicals used in the crystal meth manufacturing process, laboratory equipment used to produce narcotics have been secured,” explained the Head.

For their actions, the perpetrators face multiple charges, specifically Article 114 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (1), subsidiary to Article 113 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (1), more subsidiary to Article 112 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics.

“The punishment awaiting both of them is very severe, namely a minimum prison sentence of 5 years and a maximum of the death penalty,” said the Head.

The Head emphasized that his party continues to fight against narcotics down to their roots. Considering that narcotics crime methods are increasingly complex, choosing residential areas as hidden production locations.

“We urge all levels of society to always be vigilant and actively participate in maintaining and conducting supervision in their environment, including regarding the abuse and illicit trafficking of narcotics,” he concluded.

National Narcotics Agency (BNN)

The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is Indonesia’s leading government institution responsible for preventing, eradicating, and combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. It was formally established in 2002 in response to the growing national and transnational threat of narcotics, building upon earlier anti-drug efforts. The BNN coordinates enforcement, rehabilitation, and public awareness campaigns to address the dangers of drugs across the country.

Directorate General of Customs and Excise

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise is the national institution responsible for regulating and controlling the flow of goods across a country’s borders, as well as collecting customs duties and excise taxes. Historically, such government bodies have existed for centuries, evolving from simple toll collection points to complex modern agencies that also combat smuggling and protect national security and economic interests.

Cisauk

Cisauk is a rapidly developing suburban district located in Tangerang Regency, Banten, Indonesia. Historically, it was a small rural town but has transformed significantly with the development of large-scale residential and commercial areas, most notably BSD City. This massive planned community has driven its modern growth, turning Cisauk into a major satellite city for Jakarta.

Tangerang Regency

Tangerang Regency is a region in Indonesia’s Banten province, located on the western outskirts of the metropolitan Jakarta area. Historically, it was a significant center for the Chinese Benteng community and was an important agricultural and trade hub. Today, it is a major industrial and residential area, characterized by rapid urbanization and development.

Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics

This is not a place or cultural site, but an Indonesian law. Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics is the primary legislation in Indonesia that regulates and prohibits the unauthorized use, possession, and trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances. It was enacted to replace a previous law and is known for its strict penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty for drug traffickers.