Master’s Student in Notary Studies Arrested for Online Production and Sale of Synthetic Tobacco

The four suspects were arrested on Monday (7/9/2026) in the Tangerang and South Tangerang areas.

"In this case, the Narcotics Unit of West Jakarta Metro Police has secured four suspects. Their average age is between 25 and 26 years old; they are quite young," Nasriadi told reporters during the press briefing on Friday (18/9/2026).

"NK acted as the financier and producer. AL provided funding and the location. MR was also a producer and maker, and IN was a producer," he continued.

According to Nasriadi, the suspects obtained raw materials in the form of PINACA liquid from an Instagram account.

The owner of the account remains at large and is being pursued by the police.

The liquid purchased was initially a concentrate or base material. The suspects processed it using other chemicals before packaging it into bottles of various sizes.

"They were taught online, both through chats and live videos, how to create this new narcotic," Nasriadi revealed.

Liquid Sold Separately

Nasriadi added that the suspects used diverse methods. They didn’t only sell tobacco mixed with narcotic liquid but also sold the liquid separately.

This liquid could be sprayed onto regular cigarettes or tobacco.

"When someone smokes a regular cigarette unsuspectingly, that cigarette has been injected or sprayed with the liquid, turning it into a narcotic product. This is a new modus operandi," he explained.

The liquid was packaged in various sizes including 5 milliliters, 8 milliliters, and 10 milliliters, tailored to buyer demand.

In addition to the liquid, police also seized tobacco already mixed with the liquid and packaged ready for use.

Nasriadi said the syndicate had been operating since May 2026.

During their operations, the suspects are estimated to have sold about 500 grams of the product.

The police are still investigating the distribution network, including tracking down buyers.