Head of the BNN Jakarta office Brigadier General Awang Joko Rumitro explained the agency's suspicion in a press conference on Wednesday.
"When it comes from West Kalimantan, the drug usually originates from Malaysia," he stated, noting that Pontianak, West Kalimantan, was the shipment’s initial departure point.
Rumitro believes the illicit goods were intended for local distribution, as methamphetamine typically enters Java through major cities like Jakarta or Semarang.
"It's most likely in Jakarta, because based on the data, the demand for methamphetamine, especially in the Jakarta area, is quite high," he added.
The smuggling attempt was thwarted on Monday (October 13) by the Regional Military Command III, led by Commander Rear Admiral Uki Prasetia.
The operation was launched based on intelligence about a planned drug shipment traveling from Pontianak to Jakarta aboard the KM Kelimutu ship.
As the ship arrived around 3:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB), officers became suspicious of one passenger. Following an X-ray and thorough manual inspection, Indonesian Navy officers discovered three bags of methamphetamine taped to the suspect's body.
The arrest led to information about three other suspects who had fled the inspection area. Officers quickly pursued them to the port’s parking lot, where they were apprehended just as they attempted to escape.
In total, officers confiscated 16 bags containing methamphetamine, which weighed 10.344 grams.
All four perpetrators are currently undergoing further questioning at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police.
Related news: Indonesia, Malaysia Police step up border crime fight
Related news: Indonesian Navy foils 9 kg drug smuggling attempt off Riau Islands
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
