New Mode of Drug Distribution in Cirebon, Shabu Packages Cast in Cement

The modes of drug distribution in Cirebon are increasingly diverse. The police discovered the distribution of crystal methamphetamine by casting cement.

KOMPAS/ABDULLAH FIKRI ASHRI

The Head of Cirebon City Police, Adjunct Commissioner Rano Hadiyanto (center), shows evidence of drug busts on Friday (10/5/2024) in Cirebon, West Java. One of the cases uncovered was the modus operandi of distributing methamphetamine by mixing it with cement.

CIREBON, KOMPAS — The modes of distribution of narcotics are increasingly diverse. In the Cirebon area, West Java, the police arrested the perpetrator who distributed packages of shabu by casting cement to make it look like stone. The perpetrator had been acting for about six months in Cirebon.

In a press conference at Cirebon City Police Headquarters on Friday (10/5/2024) afternoon, the police displayed 19 small blue-colored cement blocks and a green-colored cement block that served as the storage location for a packet of methamphetamine. The police also seized a weighing scale and a smoking device from the suspect with initials IA (30).

The chief of the Narcotics Unit of Cirebon City Police, Adjunct Commissioner Maruf Murdianto, proved the mode of drug circulation by cracking open two concrete blocks that resembled rocks. When hit with a hammer, the concrete blocks contained a package of methamphetamine wrapped in plastic. The weight of the methamphetamine in each package varies according to its color.

"The blue one contains 1 gram of methamphetamine. "For the green one, it contains 0.5 grams," said Maruf.

KOMPAS/ABDULLAH FIKRI ASHRI

A snapshot of the evidence from a drug case that was uncovered on Friday (10/5/2024) in Cirebon, West Java. One of the cases revealed was the method of distributing crystal meth using cement that resembles stones.

The case of methamphetamine circulation was revealed after the police suspected the existence of an operation target who was keeping an object resembling a stone in a certain location. Apparently, the suspect IA had sent a map of the object's location to a potential buyer of methamphetamine.

According to Maruf, the circulation of crystal meth hidden in objects resembling rocks is a new modus operandi in Cirebon. Usually, perpetrators only sell crystal meth in certain places or using a stick system, which involves storing it in a location without directly meeting with the buyer.

Also read: Drug Circulation in Cirebon Increases, the Mode is via Social Media

From the police investigation, HE admitted to distributing crystal methamphetamine using this method alone. Initially, he bought cement and sand. Before casting it to resemble stone, he put a package of crystal methamphetamine inside. He then colored it with pylox green and blue.

"The suspect's confession revealed that he had been doing this for about six months. He met the drug dealer on Instagram. He used to be a user, then he offered himself as a dealer," said Maruf.

The supply of methamphetamine is suspected to have come from another suspect with the initials LO. "We are still chasing (LO)," said Maruf.

KOMPAS/ABDULLAH FIKRI ASHRI

A snapshot of the evidence from a drug case that was uncovered on Friday (10/5/2024) in Cirebon, West Java. One of the cases revealed was the method of distributing crystal meth using cement that resembles stones.

When questioned by the police, IA admitted to his actions. He stated that the initial capital to make the stone was only Rp 20,000. "The idea originally came from my boss. He said to make it from clay. However, because of the rain, I just made it myself (from cement). It was colored to distinguish its weight (size)," he said.

Also read: Dozens of Drug Case Suspects Arrested in Cirebon

He used to be a user, then he offered to become a dealer.

Until now, the police are still investigating the drug trafficking case, including uncovering its network. IA is charged with Article 112 Section 2 of the Indonesian Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics with a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment or life imprisonment.

KOMPAS/ABDULLAH FIKRI ASHRI

A number of suspects in the drug case were presented at a press conference at the Cirebon City Police Headquarters, West Java, Friday (4/8/2023).

The Head of Cirebon City Police Commissioner Rano Hadiyanto said that in the last month, his team uncovered 13 cases of suspected drug trafficking and illegal drugs. The seized evidence included 321.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 108 ecstasy pills, and 4,510 illegal drugs.

"On average, suspects are dealers for one month to one year. "We will act on everything," he said.