The agency said the methamphetamine was linked to an international network believed connected to the Golden Triangle syndicate, highlighting Indonesia’s continued exposure to cross-border narcotics trafficking.
“This has correlations with an international Golden Triangle syndicate,” said Roy Hardi Siahaan, acting deputy for enforcement at the agency, citing new coffee-style packaging labeled “Guatemala Antigua.”
Speaking to journalists here Thursday, he said the meth case began with the arrest of a courier identified as M, who was carrying 100 kg of methamphetamine in Perlak, Aceh Province.
Investigators later arrested a suspect identified as IB in Bireuen, Aceh, whose interrogation led officers to another suspect, H, also in Bireuen, he said.
A search of H’s location uncovered an additional 60 kg of methamphetamine buried underground, bringing the total seizure in the operation to 160 kg, he said.
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The agency estimated the seizure prevented potential drug abuse by about 533,000 people, with an estimated street value of 208 billion rupiah (US$13.3 million).
Separately, officers seized 200 kg of marijuana in an operation in North Sumatra, where the drugs were being transported by truck from Aceh to Medan, escorted by another vehicle.
Authorities arrested three suspects: AS, the truck driver, and YH and DJS, who were guarding the shipment, the agency said.
“This is an interprovincial network,” Siahaan said, adding the marijuana was intended for distribution to several provinces, including areas on Java Island.
The agency said the marijuana seizure prevented potential abuse by about 600,000 people, with an estimated economic value of 1.5 billion rupiah.
“The agency has successfully prevented widespread narcotics abuse among the Indonesian public,” Siahaan said.
All suspects face charges under Indonesia’s 2009 Narcotics Law and revised criminal statutes, carrying maximum penalties of life imprisonment or the death sentence, the agency said.
The agency urged suspects still at large to surrender voluntarily to authorities.
“We will not hesitate to take firm action. It is better to surrender than face decisive measures,” Siahaan said.
The agency thanked customs officials, police, the military and other institutions for their cooperation, and urged the public to report suspected drug activity in their communities.
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Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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