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| Police Uncover Illegal Poppers Distribution Network in Jakarta and Surabaya. |
Kupang – The Directorate of Narcotics Investigation (Ditresnarkoba) of NTT Police has successfully uncovered an illegal poppers distribution network operating in various regions. Three suspects have been arrested, including a local distributor in Kupang and two main suppliers in Jakarta and Surabaya.
During a press conference at the NTT Police Headquarters on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Director of Narcotics Investigation, Commissioner Ardiyanto Tedjo Baskoro, S.H., S.I.K., M.H., was accompanied by NTT Police Public Relations Chief Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, S.I.K., M.H., and Sub-directorate Head of Provost Bidpropam NTT Police, Commissioner Januarius Seran, S.H.
Commissioner Ardiyanto explained that the case began with the arrest of a 27-year-old man, identified as HYR, in Kupang on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Authorities seized 15 bottles of poppers, each containing 10ml, from him.
“Investigations revealed that HYR purchased poppers through TikTok on nine different occasions, each time ordering 20 bottles. He then resold them at higher prices via social media platforms like WhatsApp, Line, Michat, and Wala,” Commissioner Ardiyanto stated.
HYR reportedly bought the poppers at IDR 120,000 per bottle and sold them for IDR 200,000. Since starting his illegal business, he had sold over 100 bottles. However, the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) had already issued a public warning on October 13, 2021, banning poppers due to their isobutyl nitrite content, which can cause strokes, heart attacks, and even death if misused.
Further investigation led the police to uncover a larger supply chain. HYR admitted that he sourced the poppers from a man named Jefri Hutasoit, who lived in Bekasi and actively promoted the product through TikTok live streams.
HYR placed his orders with Jefri via TikTok and communicated through WhatsApp. Jefri acted as an affiliate seller, earning a commission of IDR 10,000 per bottle sold. The products were supplied by an online store owned by another suspect, SW.
As the case developed, police successfully arrested Jefri in Jakarta on March 18, 2025, and SW in Surabaya on the same day. Investigations revealed that SW imported poppers directly from China through e-commerce platforms.
All three suspects have now been charged under Article 435 in conjunction with Article 138 (2) of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, along with Article 55 (1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code. HYR faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison, while Jefri and SW have also been officially detained under a detention warrant issued on March 19, 2025.
During the press conference, NTT Police presented the two suspects and displayed evidence, including confiscated poppers bottles and communication devices used in transactions.
“We will not tolerate illegal drug and narcotic distribution. We urge the public to be more cautious when purchasing medications, especially from digital platforms,” said Commissioner Ardiyanto.
NTT Police Public Relations Chief Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra added that authorities remain committed to eradicating the illegal drug trade, which poses serious risks to public health.
“We encourage the community to report any suspicious drug-related activities in their surroundings. Strong cooperation between law enforcement and the public is essential in maintaining safety and public health,” he stated.
With this crackdown, NTT Police hope to curb the illegal distribution of poppers and deter criminals from exploiting digital platforms for illicit drug sales.
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