The suspect, identified only as US, 39, was arrested on Thursday evening in Pluit, North Jakarta, with 24 packages of crystal meth disguised in durian-branded plastic wrappers.
“US, a resident of South Tangerang, was caught at 7:15 p.m. with 24.6 kilograms of meth hidden in a car parked in the apartment basement,” Commissioner Parikhesit from Jakarta Metro Police’s Narcotics Directorate said.
He said the drugs were concealed in fruit-themed packaging to avoid suspicion. The operation followed a tip-off from the public about a large drug shipment.
Police had been monitoring the location for about a month before making the arrest.
“Preliminary investigation revealed the meth was supplied by a man known only as J, based in Malaysia. The suspect US was promised IDR 250 million ($16,000) for successfully distributing the drugs,” Parikhesit said.
The meth packages were discovered during a search of the suspect’s vehicle, parked in the underground garage of a residential complex.
US is currently in custody at Jakarta Metro Police headquarters, where authorities are expanding the investigation to trace other members of the trafficking network.
Indonesia has some of the world’s toughest drug laws, with trafficking charges potentially punishable by death.
Authorities have ramped up efforts in recent years to combat cross-border drug smuggling, particularly from neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
Police said the case remains under investigation and further arrests may follow.
Despite Indonesia’s strict drug laws, which impose long prison terms or even the death penalty, domestic and international drug networks continue to thrive.
The illegal drug trade is estimated to be worth nearly Rp66 trillion, and drug abuse cuts across all social and professional backgrounds.
In August this year, Jakarta Metropolitan Police announced the arrest of seven drug traffickers and the seizure of 47 kilograms of methamphetamine, believed to belong to an international trafficking ring.
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Translator: Redemptus ERS, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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