680 Narcotics-Laced Vapes Seized in Medan

Medan: Medan City Police’s Narcotics Investigation Unit has seized 680 vapes and arrested two suspects linked to a smuggling network involving narcotics-laced vape products.
 
The case unraveled following the arrest of two men from Aceh – identified by their initials MY and MI – at a coffee shop on Jalan Wahid Hasyim, Medan. The pair were found carrying 30 vapes suspected of containing narcotics.
 
Police subsequently searched the suspects’ rented room on Jalan Pasundan, Medan, where they discovered an additional 650 narcotic-laced vapes hidden inside a bag beneath a bed.
 
“We have raided the storage site and apprehended two suspects who acted as couriers, distributors, and handlers of the pod stockpile,” Medan City Police Narcotics Unit Chief, Adjunct Senior Commissioner (AKBP) Rafli Yusuf Nugraha, said.
 
Based on preliminary investigations, police believe that the products were not manufactured in Aceh. The goods are instead suspected to have been produced in Malaysia, before being smuggled into Aceh through sea routes.
 
“According to the suspects' statements, these illegal goods were obtained from Bireuen, Aceh. However, further investigation indicates that the items originated from Malaysia,” Rafli said.
 
Investigators are currently pursuing the suspected main supplier, identified as ‘A’, who is believed to be located in Aceh. Authorities are also working to uncover the broader transnational narcotics smuggling network.
 
“We assure you that we will continue pursuing this individual until they are found,” Rafli asserted.
 
The two apprehended suspects have been charged under Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, which carries a prison sentence of more than five years. Police are also investigating the possible involvement of other parties in the smuggling network.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)