Salman Mardira, Jakarta – Indonesia's National Police have arrested the head of the narcotics unit at the South Tangerang Police, six of his subordinates, and an officer from the Aceh Provincial Police over alleged involvement in drug trafficking and abuse of authority, officials said Monday.
Eko Hadi Santoso, director of narcotics crimes at the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim), identified the main suspect as Pardiman, chief of the South Tangerang Police narcotics unit.
"Pardiman is accused of involvement in illicit drug trafficking, narcotics abuse, and abusing his authority in handling drug-related cases," Eko said.
Authorities have not disclosed details of the arrests or the investigation, saying a full briefing will be announced later.
The case is the latest in a series of investigations targeting police officers accused of drug-related crimes, highlighting the force's continuing efforts to address misconduct within its ranks.
In February, Bareskrim named former Bima City Police chief Didik Putra Kuncoro as a suspect in a narcotics possession case. His trial is ongoing.
In May, investigators also charged former West Kutai Police narcotics unit chief Deky Jonathan Sasiang for allegedly participating in a drug trafficking network linked to a suspected dealer identified as Ishak.
Police have not indicated whether the latest arrests are connected to a larger trafficking syndicate. More details are expected as the investigation continues.