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

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A master’s degree student in Notary Studies, identified as AL (26), was arrested along with three associates in a synthetic tobacco narcotics distribution case.

The three companions arrested alongside AL were NK (26), MR (25), and IN (26).

All four young men were detained on suspicion of producing and distributing synthetic tobacco narcotics.

To the police, AL admitted he is a master’s student in Notary Studies and currently unemployed.

"Not a notary yet?" West Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Nasriadi asked the suspect during a press conference on Friday (18/9/2026).

AL responded that he had not yet worked, admitting he resorted to selling synthetic tobacco attracted by the profits.

He also revealed that the idea to sell synthetic tobacco was a joint initiative among the four.

"It was a shared idea, Sir," the suspect answered the chief’s question.

Learning to Make Synthetic Tobacco Online

Meanwhile, another suspect, NK, stated that he initially obtained PINACA liquid from an Instagram account.

"It first appeared on Snapgram," NK told the police.

He then contacted the account owner via direct message (DM) with the intent to purchase the PINACA liquid.

"I first asked for the price, then the owner explained how to make it," Nasriadi explained.

Earlier reports mentioned that the police arrested four youths linked to the illegal circulation of synthetic tobacco narcotics.

They allegedly produced and sold synthetic tobacco online.

Nasriadi said the case was uncovered following public reports.

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.

"They have sold approximately 500 grams, and we are working to find out where it has been sold. Hopefully, we can catch the buyers so it won’t spread further in the community," he said.

Evidence Valued Nearly Rp 1 Billion

The police seized numerous pieces of evidence, including dozens of bottles in various sizes containing the liquid.

Nasriadi estimated the value of the confiscated evidence at nearly Rp 1 billion.

"We estimate that the evidence we seized is worth almost Rp 1 billion and could potentially harm 1,250 individuals. We have saved those lives," he stated.

Initial interrogations revealed the suspects invested tens of millions of rupiah as capital.

However, after processing and marketing the product, their profits reached hundreds of millions of rupiah.

"The capital varied, starting from around Rp 20 million; they earned profits in the hundreds of millions," Nasriadi said.

Sales were conducted through closed networks.

The suspects offered their products online and to customers with whom they had previous private communications.

"The market is underground; not just anyone can buy it. Even online access is limited and strictly closed," he explained.

The police are continuing to develop the case to track down the owner of the social media account suspected of supplying and instructing the suspects.

The four suspects are now in custody and detained pending further legal proceedings.

They are charged under Article 610, paragraph (2), letter a and/or Article 609, paragraph (2), letter a of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning Penal Adjustments, and/or Article 114, paragraph (2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics.