As a researcher with a background in criminal justice and a particular interest in the global illicit drug trade, I find this news story quite intriguing. The fact that Indonesian authorities have taken down a lab producing synthetic marijuana, or PINACA, using ingredients sourced from China and paid for with cryptocurrency is a significant development.


Last week, I came across some disturbing news while keeping an eye on the latest developments in my crypto investments. In a sophisticated neighborhood of Sentul, Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesian law enforcement raided a clandestine lab believed to be manufacturing counterfeit marijuana. As a responsible investor, I’m always attuned to the potential risks and challenges that come with the territory, but this news served as a stark reminder of the importance of staying informed about the happenings in my surroundings.

Brigadier General Suyudi Ario Seto, the second-in-command of Jakarta’s Metropolitan Police, disclosed that the primary sources of the suspect substances were China and the transactions were conducted using cryptocurrency. The exact amount of raw material procured via cryptocurrency remains undisclosed.

As a researcher investigating recent developments in the pharmaceutical industry, I came across an intriguing piece of news last Thursday. During a press conference reported by Kumparan, Suyudi made an announcement about their new local production of a drug called PINACA. He mentioned that the essential ingredients for this drug originated from China and were paid for using cryptocurrency. Previously, this drug was primarily manufactured abroad and imported to Indonesia. However, now they’re taking a leap forward by producing it locally with these international components.

The laboratory synthesized MDMB-4en-PINACA, a chemically manufactured substance resembling marijuana, which falls under the category of serious controlled substances as per the Health Ministry’s Regulation No. 30 in 2023.

For the past six months, a criminal syndicate comprised of five individuals has been in action. This group consisted of two people responsible for manufacturing the illicit substances, one person in charge of storing them in a hidden warehouse, an individual handling sales, and another serving as an investor. These individuals are now facing grave accusations under different provisions of Law No. 35 of 2009 relating to Narcotics. The potential penalty for their offenses is capital punishment.

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2024-05-07 13:54