The case was uncovered after three days of monitoring cross-border goods and gathering intelligence from Feb. 13 to 15, said R. Syarif Hidayat, director of narcotics interdiction at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
In a statement, Hidayat said the investigation began when customs officers detected a suspicious leather chest shipped from Iran using an X-ray scanner at a post office in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, on Feb. 12.
Authorities discovered 11.56 kilograms of blue crystals concealed inside the walls of the chest. Laboratory tests later confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.
The drugs were handed over to the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency to carry out a controlled delivery.
That operation led to the arrest of an Iranian man identified by the initials KKF, who was persuaded to collect the package at an apartment in Pluit, North Jakarta, on Feb. 13.
A second Iranian national, identified as SB and suspected of manufacturing methamphetamine, was arrested the next day during a raid on a clandestine laboratory at an apartment in Sunter, North Jakarta.
Officers seized an additional 1,683 grams of meth along with equipment including portable stoves, scales, chemical liquids and powder grinders.
Investigators conducted forensic processing at the scene on Feb. 15 to gather further evidence.
“This bust demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting the public,” Hidayat said.
“Each kilogram of narcotics we intercept helps shield thousands of young people from drug abuse and supports family resilience,” he added.
The suspects and evidence remain in custody as authorities investigate possible links to an international drug trafficking network.
Officials said cooperation between customs and police agencies is aimed at tightening enforcement against traffickers and maintaining public safety.
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Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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