inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Narcotics Investigation Directorate of the Indonesian National Police (INP) Criminal Investigation Agency successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 857 cartridges containing etomidate in Dumai, Riau.

The Director of Narcotics Investigation of INP, Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, stated that his team has named one suspect in this case, AG, the courier.

Eko explained that the case was uncovered based on information from the public regarding narcotics transactions in Dumai and Pekanbaru, which are suspected to be part of an international narcotics smuggling network via sea from Malaysia to Indonesia, specifically in the waters off Rupat, Riau.

Following an investigation, the team arrested suspect AG along with a bag containing nine large plastic bags containing 857 cartridges containing etomidate.

During initial interrogation, suspect AG admitted that he was ordered by someone named Fahmi, an Acehnese, to pick up drugs in the Dumai area.

"Fahmi promised a reward of Rp 25 million after the courier job was successfully completed," said Eko  in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday (8/24/2026).

Investigators seized several pieces of evidence, including 857 etomidate cartridges, Rp 260,000 in cash as travel expenses, a cell phone, and a car.

Eko stated that based on the discovery and confiscation of the hundreds of etomidate cartridges, the estimated total economic value saved is Rp 2.5 billion.

Furthermore, an estimated 426 lives were saved from potential drug abuse.

The suspect and the evidence have been taken to the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency's Directorate of Drug Crimes in Jakarta for further investigation to uncover the underlying drug network.

"We are developing the network and other parties suspected of involvement," said Eko.

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