Southwest Papua Police Chief Brigadier General Gatot Haribowo stated that the destruction formed part of legal procedures and demonstrated the police force’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking in the province.
“The evidence destroyed was nearly eight kilograms of marijuana uncovered by the Southwest Papua Police narcotics investigation directorate,” Haribowo told reporters in Aimas, Sorong District, on Monday.
Police destroyed the seized drugs by burning and dissolving them, in accordance with standard procedures and under the supervision of several officials who attended the event.
The marijuana was confiscated during an operation conducted on Feb. 15 and 16, 2026, after police received information about suspected marijuana trafficking activities in the Sorong area.
During the investigation, officers arrested a suspect identified as RM, who police believe is involved in a narcotics distribution network spanning multiple regions and potentially crossing international borders.
“Based on the weighing results, the marijuana seized totals nearly eight kilograms. This is a significant amount for circulation in Sorong and surrounding areas,” Haribowo said.
Police believe RM, a resident of West Sorong, had connections extending to Jayapura and Papua New Guinea.
According to investigators, RM traveled to Jayapura to purchase the drugs before transporting them by passenger ship to Manokwari and later to Sorong.
Officers who had been monitoring the suspect arrested him shortly after he arrived at Sorong Port.
Police seized a backpack and a travel bag containing four large packages of marijuana wrapped in transparent plastic.
Authorities also confiscated two mobile phones believed to have been used for communication within the suspected trafficking network.
Initial tests conducted by investigators also indicated that the suspect had used marijuana, Haribowo said.
Police stated they are still searching for another suspect, identified only as J, who is believed to be part of the same trafficking network.
RM has been charged under Articles 114(2) and 111(2) of Indonesia’s 2009 Narcotics Law. These charges carry penalties ranging from a minimum five-year prison sentence to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Haribowo said police would continue developing the investigation to uncover wider narcotics distribution networks operating across regions and national borders.
“We remain committed to combating narcotics trafficking and invite the public to join efforts to prevent drug abuse in Southwest Papua,” he said.
Related news: PNG national arrested in Jayapura for smuggling 21kg of marijuana
Related news: Indonesian troops seize 128 marijuana packs on PNG border
Translator: Yuvensius LB, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
