Fredy “Escobar” Pratama’s International Drug Operation Disrupted: 88 Kg of Methamphetamine Seized

SURABAYA, RAKYAT NEWS – The East Java Police (Polda Jatim) has successfully thwarted a major drug distribution operation involving the international network of Fredy Pratama. The operation led to the seizure of 88 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2,100 ecstasy pills.

Fredy Pratama is an Indonesian criminal known for his involvement in large-scale drug trafficking operations. Often hailed as “Pablo Escobar” of Indonesia.

He is a significant figure in the narcotics trade, particularly in connection with methamphetamine distribution. Pratama’s network has been linked to various drug busts and law enforcement actions in Indonesia, making him a notable figure in the country’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking.

East Java Police Chief Irjen Pol Imam Sugianto announced the breakthrough during a press conference at the police headquarters in Surabaya on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. “We have arrested two suspects in connection with this case,” said the Police Chief.

The first suspect, ABM (35), a resident of Bandung who currently lives in Tatah Pemangkih Laut, Kertak Hanyar District, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan, was arrested on May 24, 2024, in Banjar Regency. The second suspect, YDS (22), from Palangka Raya who resides on Utan Kayu Street, Pemulus Dalam Village, Banjarmasin Selatan District, Banjarmasin City, South Kalimantan, was arrested on June 21, 2024, around 4:00 PM WITA in Central Banjarmasin.

From ABM, police confiscated 41 packages of tea with the Guan Yin Wang logo containing 43.5 kg of methamphetamine and 2,100 ecstasy pills branded Phillips. ABM admitted that the drugs were entrusted to him by Fredy Pratama, and he was paid IDR 20 million for his role.

ABM is a known repeat offender, previously convicted in 2017 for a similar methamphetamine case. In the case of YDS, police recovered 43 packages of tea with the Guanyinwang logo containing 45 kg of methamphetamine. YDS claimed that the methamphetamine was sent based on instructions from Fredy Pratama, and he was promised IDR 200 million for successfully delivering the drugs.

Imam Sugianto noted that this case is a follow-up from a police report in May 2023 in Sidoarjo, involving suspect AR, who is currently serving a sentence in a prison in East Java.

Both suspects are charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) and/or Article 112 paragraph (2) of the Indonesian Narcotics Law No. 35 of 2009. (Uki Ruknuddin)