ACEH TENGAH | INDATANEWS.COM - The Aceh Tengah Police Narcotics Unit has uncovered a cross-regional network involved in the illegal distribution of cannabis across several areas of Aceh. During investigations and arrests conducted on August 7, 8 and 9, 2026, police arrested 10 suspects. They are believed to have held different roles within the network, ranging from couriers and users who also acted as dealers to suppliers.
The investigation began with the arrest of LS, 20, in Kayu Kul Village, Pegasing District, Aceh Tengah, on Friday evening, August 7. Officers seized a packet of cannabis weighing 8.50 grams from LS.
Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Muhamad Taufiq, S.I.K., M.H., through Narcotics Unit Chief Iptu Bambang Pelis, S.H., M.H., said officers continued to expand the investigation following LS's arrest, eventually uncovering a network that operated across regional boundaries.
During questioning, LS told investigators that he had obtained the cannabis from FR, 20. Police subsequently arrested FR, a resident of Kebayakan District. Further investigation then led officers to RR, 19, who was staying in Banda Aceh.
Investigation Begins in Aceh Tengah
On Saturday, August 8, police arrested RR along with three other individuals: AA, 22, NMD, 19, and RD, 19. During subsequent searches, officers found several items allegedly linked to illegal cannabis distribution.
The seized evidence included two packets of cannabis with a combined weight of 40 grams, cannabis branches, cigarettes mixed with cannabis, several mobile phones and vehicles allegedly used in connection with the suspects' activities.
During questioning, RR told investigators that he had received larger quantities of cannabis from a person identified by the initial J from Nagan Raya. According to his statement, the amount of cannabis he received totaled 17 kilograms.
Police did not stop at the arrests of RR and his associates. Investigators continued tracing the supply chain and uncovered the involvement of additional individuals in the Aceh Besar area.
RR allegedly handed over part of the cannabis to IAP, 27, in Aceh Besar. The information provided investigators with a basis for further inquiries and the pursuit of individuals believed to have played roles within the network.
FULLY UNCOVERING THE CANNABIS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK: Aceh Tengah Police Narcotics Unit Chief Iptu Bambang Pelis reaffirms the police's commitment to uncovering drug networks down to their roots and disrupting the distribution chain. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Drug Trail Leads to Banda Aceh
On the evening of August 8, police arrested IAP along with HP, 28, TA, 27, and AD, 28. The four suspects were arrested in Beurawe Village, Kuta Alam District, Banda Aceh.
At the arrest location, officers seized five packets of cannabis with a combined weight of 110 grams. They also confiscated other items allegedly connected to drug distribution activities.
Further investigation found that IAP was allegedly involved not only in selling cannabis in Aceh Besar and Banda Aceh. IAP is also suspected of sending eight kilograms of cannabis to Aceh Selatan District, where an accomplice was expected to sell the drugs.
The findings indicate that the network uncovered by the Aceh Tengah Police Narcotics Unit connected several districts and cities across Aceh. Investigators are continuing to examine the links between those involved in an effort to reconstruct the full distribution chain of the illegal drugs.
Police are currently searching for J, who allegedly supplied large quantities of cannabis to RR. Investigators are also pursuing other individuals who may have links to the network.
POLICE HUNT CANNABIS SUPPLIERS: The Aceh Tengah Police Narcotics Unit is expanding its investigation into cross-regional cannabis trafficking and pursuing suppliers and other individuals allegedly linked to the network. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Police Hunt Suppliers to Fully Uncover Network
Aceh Tengah Police Narcotics Unit Chief Iptu Bambang Pelis stressed that the investigation would continue to expand. Police are focusing not only on individuals at the lower levels of the distribution chain but also on identifying those who supply the drugs and control the operation.
"We will continue our commitment to uncovering drug networks down to their roots, in line with the Commander's Wish of the Aceh Police Chief. At the same time, we will continue taking preventive measures to disrupt the drug distribution chain," Bambang Pelis said.
All suspects and evidence are currently being held by the Aceh Tengah Police Narcotics Unit. The investigation will proceed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The network's exposure is also part of the ongoing efforts by the Aceh Tengah Police Narcotics Unit to combat cross-regional drug trafficking. A week earlier, police had uncovered another inter-district network and arrested four people in the areas of Aceh Tengah, Aceh Utara and Lhokseumawe.
The series of arrests demonstrates that police are continuously expanding their investigations whenever links are identified between individual suspects and other parties. Through this step-by-step expansion, the Aceh Tengah Police Narcotics Unit is seeking to disrupt cannabis distribution routes connecting multiple areas across Aceh.
Police must still determine the origin of the 17 kilograms of cannabis that RR allegedly said came from J in Nagan Raya. Investigators must also trace the distribution route of the eight kilograms of cannabis allegedly sent to Aceh Selatan. Further investigations are expected to help identify additional individuals and clarify the respective roles of the suspects within the network. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala