This can be seen from the rise in the number of women, especially housewives, arrested for narcotics trafficking between April and June 2025.
Women are no longer passive victims but playing active roles within organized narcotics networks.
“The development of drug syndicates’ modus operandi, which now exploits Indonesian women and housewives, must be taken seriously,” Hukom said during a press conference at the office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise here on Monday.
According to BNN data, between April and June, authorities arrested 285 suspects in narcotics-related cases. They consisted of 256 men and 29 women. Thus, 20 percent of the suspects were women.
Hukom said that women’s involvement often starts with courier roles, which syndicates perceive as low-risk due to lower suspicion from authorities.
Over time, women advance to strategic positions within the network, such as recruiters, distribution coordinators, or treasurers.
This pattern, he informed, shows that drug syndicates are becoming increasingly adaptive by using women to hide their criminal activities.
One woman suspect was found attempting to smuggle drugs by concealing them in intimate body parts, which shows how the syndicates are exploiting women.
He stressed that women and housewives must be protected from the influence and deception of narcotic networks.
“Syndicates often lure them with promises of high pay,” he added.
He also underlined the vital role of women in society, stating that the nation depends heavily on its women, adding that the right approach is needed to empower women.
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Translator: Bagus, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
