The National Narcotics Agency (BNN), BNN North Sumatra, North Sumatra Customs and Excise Office, and BNN Pidie Jaya (Aceh) participated in the drug operation on Saturday afternoon, which led to the arrest of six suspects, identified by their initials as MF, MR, BW, AM, RZ, and MRU.
The methamphetamine was reportedly peddled by an international drug syndicate operating in Medan and Bereun (Aceh), and was found wrapped in 37 packages of Chinese green tea, Arman Depari, deputy for drug eradication of BNN, said here on Monday.
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The drug raid was conducted following a tip that the drugs would be smuggled from Malaysia into Kuala Bireuen waters, Aceh Province, and circulated in Aceh and North Sumatra.
"Hence, the BNN team, in coordination with the Regional Office of Customs and Excise in Aceh, deployed customs sea patrol boats, BC 15021 and BC 20011, to monitor an Oskadon fishing vessel in Malaysian waters," Depari said.
The joint team monitored the movements of two suspects, MF and MR, and arrested them in Binjai with 29 packets of drugs, which were packed in two sacks.
The two traffickers told officials the drugs were to be brought to Medan via a four-wheeled vehicle.
Later, BNN officers arrested BW and AM in Medan, as well as RZ from MRU's warehouse, located in Jeumpa, Bireuen.
Drug syndicates usually use Malaysia as a transit point to smuggle narcotics illegally into Indonesia.
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Translator: Munawar M, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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