LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Officers from the Kampung Rakyat Police have uncovered an alleged crystal methamphetamine trafficking operation in a palm oil plantation area in Sei Kalam Hamlet, Teluk Panji Village, Kampung Rakyat Subdistrict, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency. Police arrested a 20-year-old man identified by the initials VAM, also known as ARIL, at around 6:30 p.m. local time on Monday, September 7, 2026, while officers were conducting an investigation in the area.
During the arrest, officers from the Criminal Investigation Unit of the
Kampung Rakyat Police found four transparent plastic bags containing suspected crystal methamphetamine. The seized substance had a gross weight of 1.95 grams. Police also confiscated a Vivo mobile phone and an Aerox motorcycle, which are suspected of being connected to the suspect's activities.
The case highlights police efforts to combat drug trafficking not only in residential areas and busy centers, but also in plantation areas that are suspected of being used for drug transactions or as hideouts for illegal activities.
Investigation Began With Public Tip-Offs
The case began with information from local residents who had observed suspicious activities allegedly related to drug trafficking in the Sei Kalam Hamlet area. The information was subsequently acted upon by the head of the Kampung Rakyat Police, AKP Muhammad Ilham Lubis, S.H. He instructed the head of the Criminal Investigation Unit and his personnel to conduct an investigation at the reported location.
The officers then went to the palm oil plantation area in Sei Kalam Hamlet. The team monitored the surroundings and conducted discreet surveillance while observing the situation at the location reported by residents.
During the investigation, officers noticed a man whose behavior appeared suspicious in the plantation area. Police approached the man and detained him for further examination.
A search led officers to four transparent plastic bags containing suspected crystal methamphetamine. After being weighed, the seized evidence had a gross weight of 1.95 grams.
The officers subsequently identified the man as VAM, also known as ARIL, a resident of Hamlet IV Sidodadi, Teluk Panji Village, Kampung Rakyat Subdistrict.
During initial questioning, VAM admitted that the narcotics found by officers belonged to him. Police then brought the suspect, along with all seized evidence, to the
Kampung Rakyat Police Station to begin the investigation process.
AKP Muhammad Ilham Lubis said that information from the public plays an important role in uncovering drug-related offenses. He made the statement during questioning at the Kampung Rakyat Police Station on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. He also conveyed a message from the Labuhanbatu Selatan Police Chief, AKBP Rosef Efendi, S.I.K., M.H., CPHR.
"Information from the public greatly helps us uncover drug trafficking. Every report we receive will be followed up through an investigation to verify its accuracy," AKP Muhammad Ilham Lubis said.
ARREST FOLLOWING PUBLIC TIP-OFF: Head of the Kampung Rakyat Police, AKP Muhammad Ilham Lubis, said information from residents had helped police uncover suspected drug trafficking within his jurisdiction. (PHOTO: Kampung Rakyat Police)
Police Trace the Source of the
Crystal MethIn addition to the four transparent plastic bags containing suspected crystal methamphetamine, investigators seized a Vivo mobile phone and an Aerox motorcycle. All of the items have been secured as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Investigators are currently tracing the source of the narcotics found in VAM's possession. At the same time, police are examining the possibility that other individuals may be involved in the supply or distribution chain of the crystal methamphetamine.
The head of the Kampung Rakyat Police emphasized that the investigation would not end with the arrest of a single suspect. Officers are continuing to expand their inquiries to determine whether VAM has links to a drug network or other individuals involved in the case.
"The suspect and all evidence have been secured at the
Kampung Rakyat Police Station for further legal proceedings. We are also continuing the investigation to uncover possible networks or other individuals who may be connected to drug trafficking," AKP Muhammad Ilham Lubis said.
According to police, expanding the investigation is an important part of uncovering the entire narcotics distribution chain. Authorities are not only seeking to ensure the legal process against the suspect, but also to identify the source of the drugs as well as possible suppliers and buyers.
The location of the arrest in a plantation area is also receiving attention from authorities. Areas relatively far from busy centers could potentially be used by perpetrators to conceal activities associated with drug trafficking.
For that reason, police are strengthening monitoring and investigations into reports of suspected drug abuse and drug trafficking within the jurisdiction of the Kampung Rakyat Police.
INVESTIGATION INTO DRUG NETWORK: Police are expanding their investigation into VAM, also known as ARIL, to uncover possible links to a drug network or other individuals involved in drug trafficking. (PHOTO:
Kampung Rakyat Police)
Police Urge Public to Report Suspicious Activities
Police are also urging residents to actively participate in efforts to disrupt the narcotics distribution chain. Members of the public who observe suspicious activities related to drug abuse or drug trafficking are encouraged to immediately report the information to the authorities.
According to police, information from residents can serve as an important starting point for further investigations. Officers have also assured the public that the identities of those providing information will be protected.
"The role of the public is very important. We appeal to residents to immediately report suspected drug trafficking in their surroundings. We will protect the identities of those who provide information," he emphasized.
As of Wednesday, September 9, 2026, VAM, also known as ARIL, along with the four transparent plastic bags containing suspected crystal methamphetamine with a gross weight of 1.95 grams, a Vivo mobile phone and an Aerox motorcycle remained secured at the Kampung Rakyat Police Station as part of the investigation.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine the source of the narcotics and whether other individuals were involved. The case also underscores the authorities' commitment to further restricting the space available for drug trafficking within the jurisdiction of the
Kampung Rakyat Police, including in villages and plantation areas.
The ongoing investigation is expected to determine whether the case was an isolated incident or whether it is connected to a larger drug trafficking network operating in Labuhanbatu Selatan. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala