Aceh police seize 50,000 ecstasy pills, etomidate

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3 hours ago

Banda Aceh, Aceh (ANTARA) – Aceh police have foiled an attempt to distribute 50,000 ecstasy pills, 2,495 vape cartridges and 4,000 milliliters of etomidate-containing liquid, arresting an active village chief, a police officer said.

Aceh police chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan said officers arrested RB, 41, an active village chief, in connection with the case.

“The drug trafficking case began with information from the public about etomidate and ecstasy distribution on Friday (July 24),” Ruddi said here Monday.

Based on the tip, an investigative team led by Adjunct Commissioner Mulyadi arrested RB at Simpang Cibrek Village, Syamtalira Aron Subdistrict, North Aceh District.

Officers seized 50,000 ecstasy pills weighing 18.026 kilograms, 2,495 vape cartridges, 4,000 milliliters of etomidate-containing liquid and two Android mobile phones.

Forensic tests by the North Sumatra Police laboratory found the ecstasy contained MDMA, a Group I narcotic, Ruddi said.

“The cartridges and bottled liquid also tested positive for etomidate, classified as a Group II narcotic,” Ruddi said.

During preliminary questioning, RB allegedly said he received all the drugs from a person identified as the controller, Pablo alias AH.

Police have listed Pablo alias AH as a wanted suspect, Ruddi said.

RB allegedly collected the ecstasy and etomidate in Aceh Tamiang for distribution in Aceh and other provinces, he said.

Ruddi said Pablo had promised RB a payment of 100 million rupiah (about US$5,600) for his role in the operation.

RB faces charges under Articles 114(2) and 119(2) of the 2009 Narcotics Law and Article 609(2) of the 2023 Criminal Code.

The provisions carry prison terms ranging from a minimum of four years to life imprisonment, police said.

Ruddi said the seizure potentially prevented 52,495 people from being exposed to drug abuse and the dangers of narcotics.

“The seizure demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to breaking the chain of illicit drug trafficking and protecting the younger generation from narcotics,” he said.

Ruddi urged drug dealers, couriers and users to stop activities involving narcotics.

Aceh police will take firm action against those involved in illicit drug trafficking, including pursuing suspects and seizing assets derived from the activity, he said.

“Stop immediately or face firm, measured action. Couriers should not be tempted by easy money. Users should stop before it is too late,” Ruddi said.