Tanah Abang Takedown, Thousands of Prohibited Pills Seized in Joint Operation

A joint task force comprising Satpol PP, Central Jakarta Social Sub-agency, BBPOM, army and police, seized thousands of illegal pills and apprehended two dealers in the Tanah Abang Market area last night.

Both dealers are now in police custody

The two suspects were nabbed by plainclothes officers during an undercover sting operation. Upon searching a sling bag belonging to one of the suspects, 29-year-old Rizky, officers discovered over 4,000 pills of Tramadol and Hexymer, along with Rp 4.2 million in cash proceeds from illegal sales.

Upon arriving at the scene, Central Jakarta Mayor Arifin immediately recognized 29-year-old Rizky—one of the two suspects—marking the man’s third time being caught red-handed with thousands of illegal pills.

Satpol PP Destroys 19,103 Illegal Drugs in South Jakarta

He emphasized that this crackdown is part of a larger community movement. Residents and local organizations in Tanah Abang have officially declared "war" against the illicit drug trade, and this sting operation serves as a direct response to that pledge.

"Both dealers are now in police custody and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," he expressed, Friday (8/14).

He emphasized that firm legal action is necessary to ensure that illegal drug traffickers in Tanah Abang do not become repeat offenders.

"Those dealers are facing legal sanctions because the majority of the substances sold fail to meet official distribution standards. The branding is obscure, and the pills are distributed without proper labels or identifiable names," Arifin asserted.

He added these illegal pills are a "ticking time bomb" for public health, as they are being consumed without proper medical supervision or legal oversight.

This is a cross-regional effort. By collaborating with Satpol PP from surrounding districts, we ensure that fleeing suspects are caught regardless of which territory they enter. It is a seamless partnership," he stated.