Viral Drug Case: How A Lembang Teen Tried To Outsmart Police With Snail Shells
A Lembang teen hid meth inside snail shells to avoid detection, police uncovered the bizarre drug scheme and made an arrest.
The bizarre strategy quickly went viral, sparking debate about creativity in crime and the growing challenges faced by law enforcement. What seemed like an ordinary object turned into a clever disguise for illegal distribution.
How did authorities uncover the scheme, and what led to the teen’s arrest? Here’s Parabis | Real-Time News Hub the full story behind the viral drug case that has left many stunned.
An Unusual Smuggling Method Exposed
A 27-year-old man identified as RPA from Wangunsari Village, Lembang District, West Bandung Regency, shocked authorities with his unconventional drug distribution tactic. Instead of using common concealment methods, he utilized snail shells, locally known as tutut, to hide methamphetamine.
Tutut, typically consumed as a popular local snack, became an unlikely tool in illegal narcotics trade. By transforming an everyday food item into a disguise, the suspect attempted to avoid suspicion from both residents and law enforcement.
Police officers from the Cimahi Police Narcotics Unit arrested RPA several days ago after uncovering the scheme. The arrest quickly drew public attention due to the bizarre and creative method involved.
How The Operation Was Carried Out
According to Cimahi Police Chief AKBP Niko N. Adi Putra, the suspect deliberately searched for snail shells in rice fields near his residence. After collecting them, he removed the contents and prepared them as containers.
He carefully placed small plastic-wrapped packets of meth inside the empty shells. Once filled, the shells were packaged as ready-to-distribute items, blending seamlessly with what appeared to be ordinary waste.
The suspect then applied a “drop point” system to complete transactions. Instead of meeting buyers directly, he left the disguised narcotics at predetermined locations and informed customers where to retrieve them.
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Attempt To Avoid Detection
This indirect distribution method was designed to reduce face-to-face interaction and minimize risk. By placing the items in public spaces, the suspect hoped no one would suspect discarded snail shells as illegal substances.
Authorities explained that such tactics are often used to confuse investigations and eliminate direct evidence during transactions. The camouflage was meant to make the drugs look like harmless trash rather than contraband.
However, despite the unusual concealment strategy, police intelligence and investigation eventually uncovered the operation. The attempt to outsmart law enforcement ultimately failed.
Evidence And Ongoing Investigation
During the arrest, officers confiscated 2.08 grams of methamphetamine along with several prepared snail shells. These items became key evidence linking the suspect to the narcotics distribution network.
Police revealed that RPA had allegedly been running the operation for approximately three months. Reports indicate he earned around Rp6 million per sale, suggesting a structured and ongoing activity rather than a one-time attempt.
Authorities also identified another individual known as “Mengko” as the supplier of the drugs. At present, law enforcement continues efforts to locate and apprehend the alleged source of the narcotics.
Legal Consequences Await
RPA now faces serious legal charges under Indonesia’s narcotics law. He is being charged under Article 114 of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, along with related provisions concerning criminal penalties.
If convicted, the suspect could face a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. In addition, financial penalties may reach at least Rp1 billion, reflecting the gravity of narcotics offenses under national law.
This case highlights the evolving tactics used in drug distribution and reinforces the importance of vigilance within communities. Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activities as part of broader efforts to combat illegal narcotics circulation.
Image Source:
- First Image from parabis.net
- Second Image from detik.com