Police in West Jakarta have successfully dismantled an illegal operation selling restricted prescription drugs under the guise of a neighborhood grocery store. During the raid on Saturday (May 2), authorities apprehended two suspects, identified as 26-year-old ZF and 22-year-old MA.
The operation was launched following persistent reports from local residents concerned about suspicious activities occurring at a kiosk located near a railway crossing in Kalideres, West Jakarta. Acting on these complaints, local law enforcement mobilized to investigate the site.
“We successfully raided the kiosk, which was masquerading as a standard grocery store, on Jalan Gagak, Semanan, Kalideres, on Saturday,” stated Kalideres Police Chief Commissioner Rihold Sihotang on Sunday (May 3). Upon inspecting the premises, officers discovered hundreds of restricted pills of various types, all of which were allegedly intended for illegal distribution.
Commissioner Rihold emphasized that this crackdown aligns with a directive from Metro Jaya Police Deputy Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, who has mandated the eradication of illicit, non-prescription drug sales across Jakarta and its surrounding areas.
Addressing the broader impact of such operations, Rihold noted that the police department is committed to persistent enforcement to protect the community, particularly the youth, from the dangers of drug abuse. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior within their neighborhoods.
“For anyone who encounters similar activities or any other criminal acts in the Kalideres area, please do not hesitate to contact the police emergency service at 110,” Rihold urged.
Adding to these remarks, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Kalideres Police, AKP Rachmad Wibowo, highlighted that the success of this raid underscores the vital role of community involvement in maintaining public safety.
“We extend our gratitude to the residents for their courage in coming forward. This operation proves that the collaboration between the community and the police is essential to maintaining a secure environment. We ensure that there will be no room for criminal actors in this region,” he concluded.
Summary
West Jakarta police arrested two individuals, identified as ZF and MA, for operating an illegal prescription drug business disguised as a grocery store in Kalideres. Authorities conducted the raid on Saturday following multiple reports from concerned residents regarding suspicious activities at the location. During the inspection, officers discovered and seized hundreds of restricted pills intended for illegal distribution.
This operation is part of a larger directive to eliminate the illicit sale of non-prescription drugs across the Jakarta region. Law enforcement officials praised the public’s cooperation in the investigation and encouraged citizens to continue reporting criminal behavior to help ensure community safety. Police remain committed to ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the youth from the dangers of drug abuse.