MEDAN — Personnel from the Quick Response Unit (URC) of the North Sumatra Regional Police successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 668 vape pods containing the illicit substance etomidate into Aceh Province. The interception took place in Tanjung Balai City on Sunday night (20/9/2026) following intelligence regarding movement of illicit cargo from the area toward Aceh Tamiang.
Officers intercepted a black Toyota Innova Reborn on Anwar Idris Street, Datuk Bandar District, at approximately 9:00 PM WIB. The interdiction was the result of targeted surveillance on a vehicle suspected of transporting banned substances.
Vehicle Search and Courier Interrogation
During the search, officers arrested a 30-year-old courier identified as R, a resident of Aceh Tamiang, and confiscated a large package containing 668 market-ready vape pods containing etomidate. The physical evidence was concealed inside the vehicle intended for final delivery to Aceh Tamiang.
Director of Drug Investigation at North Sumatra Police, Senior Police Commissioner Andy Arisandi, explained that suspect R admitted to acting on orders from an individual identified as M to collect the shipment in Tanjung Balai. The suspect was provided solely with a phone contact to communicate with suppliers at the pickup point.
The suspect revealed receiving an initial advance of IDR 2 million, with promises of additional payment upon successful delivery to Aceh Tamiang. He also confessed to completing two prior smuggling runs before being apprehended on his third attempt.
Network Tracing and Route Surveillance Enforcement
Senior Commissioner Andy Arisandi emphasized that investigators are expanding operations to dismantle the wider network behind etomidate distribution, including tracking primary suppliers and field handlers. Interdiction operations along similar transit routes have been intensified across North Sumatra.
This successful interception demonstrates the commitment of the North Sumatra Police Quick Response Unit in acting swiftly and precisely against illicit shipments. Through decisive law enforcement, the mandate of #ReserseBekerja is put into practice to safeguard the public against evolving narcotics threats.
Source: Harian Batak Pos, Tribun Medan
