TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Indonesia, Commissioner General Marthinus Hukom, stated that the seizure of 2 tons of methamphetamine in Batam City, Riau Islands Province, is the largest ever recorded in the country.
"The 2-ton methamphetamine is the largest seizure in the history of drug eradication in Indonesia," said Hukom during a press conference at Tanjung Uncang Port, Batam City, Kepri, on Monday, May 26, 2025.
According to Hukom, the case was uncovered following an investigation by the BNN, which received intelligence about a narcotics network planning to smuggle drugs via ship to several Southeast Asian countries, passing through Batam waters.
"Subsequently, a joint analysis was conducted with Customs. It took about 5 months. They managed to identify the Sea Dragon Tarawa Ship," said Hukom.
Authorities estimated that the ship would pass through Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines around May 20. "Around May 20, the ship was intercepted, and after a search, 67 cartons were found, containing 2000 packages of methamphetamine, approximately 2 tons," he said.
The methamphetamine was packaged in a distinctive style associated with the Golden Triangle drug syndicate and stored in the ship’s side and front compartments. "We also arrested six crew members, four Indonesian citizens, and two Thai nationals," he added.
Hukom noted that this case marks the second major methamphetamine smuggling bust in just seven days. Prior to this, Indonesian authorities also uncovered an international smuggling attempt involving nearly 2 tons of methamphetamine.
"We perceive drug crimes as a real threat to humanity and civilization. The East Coast of Sumatra, or the Malacca Strait, especially Kepri, is vulnerable to drug smuggling by international syndicate networks," he said.
Editor's Choice: Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Two Medan Drug Couriers in Meth, Ecstasy Bust
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Tempted by High Wages, 11 SEA Sailors Tied to Global Drug Syndicate Arrested in Kepri
15 menit lalu
Eleven crew from Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand were involved in two drug smuggling cases using the ships KM Sea Dragon Tarawa and The Aungtoetoe99.
Police Arrest 97 Members of Notorious Italian Mafia
4 hari lalu
Ndrangheta is the most ruthless mafia in Italy. 97 of its members were apprehended by the police.
Prabowo Grants BP Batam Authority to Approve Forest Land Release
17 hari lalu
While BP Batam considers this a move to facilitate investment, the city of Batam is simultaneously experiencing increasingly frequent floods.
Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Two Medan Drug Couriers in Meth, Ecstasy Bust
17 hari lalu
The police found 29 kilograms of meth and 39,000 ecstasy pills weighing a total of 15,358 grams inside the car the drug courier was driving.
Jakarta Police Report Weekly Arrests of 100 Drug Addicts
18 hari lalu
According to Jakarta Police Chief, Inspector General Karyoto, the rampant drug abuse is due to the large circulation of narcotics in the area
Rempang Eco City: Profile, Facilities, and Objectives Explained
27 hari lalu
Rempang Eco City is a controversial project in Batam, Indonesia, aiming to build an industrial and tourism hub yet faces strong rejection from locals.
Unpad and Batam Students Challenge TNI Law in Constitutional Court
27 hari lalu
The students expressed hope that the request for a judicial review of TNI Law would foster legislative accountability in Indonesia.
Police Seize 24 Kg of Crystal Meth from Malaysia-Indonesia Drug Ring
33 hari lalu
The Central Sulawesi Regional Police seized 24 kilograms of methamphetamine, or crystal meth, from a Malaysia-Indonesia drug ring.
Police Nab COD-Based Drug Syndicate Supplying Minors, Confiscate 43,000 Pills
35 hari lalu
The suspects of drug seller operated mainly through grocery stores and have now begun offering cash-on-delivery (COD) services.
Indonesian Police Report Rise in Cocaine Use
37 hari lalu
Head of Drug Crime Investigation Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Eko, has stated an increase in cocaine use in Indonesia from 2024 to 2025.
