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| Police secure evidence from a home-based ecstasy lab hidden in a community group office in Medan. |
MEDAN – The North Sumatra Police Narcotics Directorate busted a home-based ecstasy lab operating behind the facade of a community organization (ormas) office in Medan.
The raid took place on the night of Friday, July 25, 2025, at the AMPI Hamdan Subrayon office located on Jalan Teratai, Hamdan Village, Medan Maimun District. Two suspects, MR (42) and FA (22), were arrested at the scene.
Director of Narcotics at the North Sumatra Police, Commissioner Dr. Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak, stated that the operation was launched following reports from residents who suspected illegal activities at the site.
“Our team observed one of the suspects entering the building. Without delay, we carried out the raid and searched the premises,” he said on Monday (August 4, 2025).
Police were shocked by the items seized during the operation. They included 94 pink ecstasy pills with a star logo (MDMA), MDMA powder, tablets containing methamphetamine and paracetamol, homemade pill presses, food coloring, and other production tools such as hammers, molds, and logo-stamped nails. The suspects admitted to receiving Rp3,000 for every pill they produced and sold them for a profit of Rp40,000 each.
Even more disturbing, the illegal operation was reportedly coordinated by a local ormas official. “The suspects confessed that all tools and raw materials were provided by someone who is also an official within the organization. That individual also managed the production and distribution process,” Calvijn explained.
Police strongly condemned the misuse of public facilities and community organization symbols for criminal activities, especially drug trafficking. The North Sumatra Police emphasized that such disguises will now become a focus for tighter surveillance.
“We will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone who exploits ormas premises for drug operations. This case is still under investigation, and more suspects may be apprehended soon,” he added.
The two arrested suspects are currently in custody at North Sumatra Police Headquarters and will face legal proceedings under Indonesia’s Narcotics Law No. 35 of 2009.
Authorities urge the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to help create a drug-free environment.