Indonesia makes two major drug busts worth millions of dollars

Indonesian authorities announced on Friday the successful completion of two significant drug seizures on the island of Sumatra within a brief span of time. National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto unveiled the haul, which included 1.16 tonnes of ketamine and 1.2 tonnes of methamphetamine.

The operation commenced when police and customs officers intercepted a vessel named MT Global 168, carrying the ketamine, in the waters off Sumatra on Tuesday. The ship, flying the Mongolian flag but owned by a company from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, was detected flying under the radar by the intelligence community since August due to suspicions of illicit activities.

Upon reaching Belawan Port in North Sumatra, the drugs were discovered in 58 sacks, with a total weight of 1.16 tonnes. Authorities arrested eight crew members, including seven Indonesians and one Taiwanese. The value of the seized ketamine is estimated at Rp3.48 trillion (approximately US$192 million).

Just over two months ago, Indonesian authorities intercepted another shipment of ketamine, valued at around US$192 million, originating from Thailand and concealed inside 65 sacks near the Riau islands.

On Wednesday, a separate operation resulted in the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine lab in Pidie Regency, Aceh province. This lab yielded 1.2 tonnes of methamphetamine, valued at an estimated Rp2.16 trillion. During this raid, nine Indonesian nationals and two Chinese nationals were apprehended.

Indonesia is known for its stringent anti-drug laws, even to the extent of imposing the death penalty on traffickers. However, the country has maintained a moratorium on executions for several years.