China helps dismantle major meth trafficking network in Southeast Asia

China, Indonesia, and Malaysia collaborated to dismantle a significant methamphetamine trafficking network in Southeast Asia, according to China's Ministry of Public Security. The operation, conducted on October 21, involved the seizure of approximately 1.2 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine and the arrest of 11 individuals in Indonesia.

The facility targeted was a large-scale drug processing and purification site in Aceh, Indonesia, believed to be the largest of its kind. The bust also resulted in the seizure of various equipment used in the methamphetamine production process. This operation marked the largest joint transnational drug trafficking investigation between China and other countries in recent years.

Seven more individuals suspected of connections to the network were arrested in China. The criminal group was alleged to have smuggled liquid narcotics from Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos to various countries, including Indonesia. The two Chinese suspects, identified as LJ and XM, allegedly played critical roles in processing liquid methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine.

Indonesian authorities are still searching for two additional suspects. The cooperation between the three countries began after Chinese authorities identified the international smuggling network in October 2025, leading to a year-long intensive investigation. Both Chinese and Indonesian authorities plan to enhance their collaboration in combating transnational drug networks through the exchange of intelligence information and law enforcement cooperation.