Seizures and testing
Kaltara Police Chief Andi Syahriful Taufik presented the results at a November 5, 2026, press conference in Tarakan. He said the suspects included 101 men and 15 women.
The seized evidence totaled 42,008.66 grams of methamphetamine, 235.3 grams of etomidate in 95 cartridges, 406.65 milliliters of synthetic liquid, 270 ecstasy pills, and 28.71 grams of marijuana.
Among the cases police highlighted were methamphetamine seizures of 3,012.48 grams on September 5, 1,063.72 grams on September 25, and 1,000 grams on October 23. Two separate cases on November 4 yielded 3,000 grams and 16,000 grams, respectively.
Taufik said all seized evidence had undergone examination by the Surabaya Branch Forensic Laboratory and testing with narcotics test kits. The results confirmed methamphetamine in the meth, synthetic cannabis in the liquid, etomidate in the cartridges, and MDMA in the ecstasy pills.
Charges and estimated public impact
The suspects were charged under Article 114, paragraph (2), of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, in conjunction with Law No. 1 of 2023 and Law No. 1 of 2026, or Article 609, paragraph (2)(a), of Law No. 1 of 2023, the Criminal Code. The charges carry penalties ranging from a minimum of six years in prison to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Taufik estimated that 840,173 people could have been affected had all the seized drugs entered circulation. He characterized the operation as an effort to protect the public, particularly younger people.
Investigators examine possible money laundering
In comments reported by Radar Tarakan (Jawa Pos), Taufik described a tightly compartmentalized network operating through cells. Dealers on the ground and the people directing the network may not know one another's identities, he said, adding that investigators must use their investigative capabilities and technology to counter that secrecy.
Investigators are also considering a possible money-laundering charge, known as TPPU, in a case involving nearly 19 kilograms of methamphetamine. Two people were arrested two nights before the November 5 press conference. Taufik said police could not yet announce a determination on money laundering because questioning of those suspects was still underway.
