TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Aceh Regional Police's Narcotics Directorate managed to thwart the attempt of a major drug smuggling of the Malaysian-Indonesian network, seizing 180 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in Peureulak Waters, East Aceh Regency, on June 15.

“The inflow of illicit goods or crystal meth remains high, so the Aceh Regional Police and stakeholders, including Customs and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) are collaborating to dismantle the distribution chain,” Aceh Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Achmad Kartiko, said during a press conference at the Aceh Police HQ on Wednesday, June 27.

The bust was the result of a collaborative investigation. The Aceh Police Narcotics Directorate's Sub-Directorate 3, along with the Central DJBC Narcotics Interdiction Directorate, Aceh Regional DJBC Office, KPPBC TMP C Langsa, and the Customs and Excise marine patrol task force, investigated an international drug ring operating in the Malacca Strait for months.

On June 12, authorities received intel about a suspicious fishing boat, a common vessel used by drug syndicates, leaving East Aceh for Malaysian waters. Believing it to be a drug pickup operation, a joint team conducted sea patrols and located the target vessel in Peureulak Waters on June 15.

A chase ensued, with three crew members attempting to escape by jumping overboard. The team successfully secured the boat and apprehended one crew member, IY (41), the boat handler, after a search following Maritime SAR protocols. Meanwhile, the team on the ground managed to arrest MZ (32), as the controller.

“Two people were arrested: the boat handler and the controller. Additionally, we seized nine sacks containing 180 kilograms of methamphetamine, four cellphones, a car, a boat, and a GPS device,” Achmad said.

According to him, illegal drug trafficking is threatening and troubling the province. This is exacerbated by the long coastline providing a potential entry point for foreign syndicates.

He commended the collaborative efforts of the Aceh Police Narcotics Directorate, Customs and Excise Regional Office, and all stakeholders involved in this significant seizure. He estimated that this seizure prevented the drugs from reaching 1.44 million people.

The suspects face charges under Article 114 paragraph (2) sub-Article 112 paragraph (2) in conjunction with sub-Article 115 paragraph (2) and Article 132 of Law No. 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, life imprisonment, or the death penalty.

HENDRIK KHOIRUL MUHID

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