<![CDATA[Perkembangan teknologi informasi telah mengakibatkan transformasi modus peredaran narkotika dari jalur konvensional menuju ruang digital melalui media sosial, aplikasi perpesanan, marketplace, hingga dark web. Fenomena ini menimbulkan tantangan serius bagi aparat penegak hukum, khususnya Polres Wajo, karena keterbatasan regulasi, infrastruktur, dan kapasitas sumber daya manusia dalam menelusuri serta membuktikan tindak pidana berbasis elektronik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penerapan sanksi pidana terhadap pengedar narkotika melalui media elektronik di Polres Wajo, mengidentifikasi kendala yang dihadapi aparat, serta merumuskan solusi strategis yang dapat diterapkan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian hukum empiris dengan pendekatan kualitatif, melalui studi pustaka, wawancara, serta telaah kasus. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penegakan hukum masih berlandaskan pada Undang-Undang Nomor 35 Tahun 2009 tentang Narkotika yang dikombinasikan dengan Undang-Undang Nomor 19 Tahun 2016 tentang Informasi dan Transaksi Elektronik, meskipun keduanya belum secara eksplisit mengatur pengedaran narkotika berbasis digital. Kendala utama yang ditemukan meliputi keterbatasan perangkat forensik digital, kurangnya tenaga penyidik ahli IT, serta multitafsir hukum dalam penggunaan pasal dakwaan. Untuk mengatasi hal tersebut, diperlukan harmonisasi regulasi antara hukum pidana dan hukum siber, penguatan kapasitas aparat melalui pelatihan forensik digital, peningkatan kerja sama lintas instansi dan platform digital, serta edukasi masyarakat terkait bahaya narkotika elektronik. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini diharapkan mampu memberikan kontribusi teoritis bagi pengembangan ilmu hukum pidana dan hukum siber, serta rekomendasi praktis bagi peningkatan efektivitas penegakan hukum di tingkat daerah. The development of information technology has enabled the transformation of narcotics circulation from conventional routes to the digital space via social media, messaging applications, marketplaces, and the dark web. This phenomenon poses serious challenges for law enforcement officials, especially the Wajo Police, due to limitations in regulations, infrastructure, and human resource capacity for tracing and proving electronic-based crimes. This study aims to analyze the application of criminal sanctions against narcotics dealers through electronic media in the Wajo Police Station, identify obstacles faced by the authorities, and formulate strategic solutions that can be implemented. The research method used is empirical legal research with a qualitative approach, through literature studies, interviews, and case studies. The results of the survey show that law enforcement is still based on Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, combined with Law Number 19 of 2016 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions, although neither explicitly regulates digital-based narcotics trafficking. The main obstacles identified include limitations of digital forensic devices, a shortage of IT forensic investigators, and multiple interpretations of the use of indictments. To overcome this, it is necessary to harmonize criminal law and cyber law regulations, strengthen the capacity of the apparatus through digital forensics training, increase cooperation across agencies and digital platforms, and educate the public about the dangers of electronic narcotics. Thus, this research is expected to make a theoretical contribution to the development of criminal law and cyber law, as well as practical recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement at the regional level.]]>
