Indonesia Seizes 1.3 Tons of Ketamine Worth Nearly $118 Million

Indonesian authorities have announced the seizure of 1.3 tons of ketamine, with an estimated value of nearly $118 million, following the interception of a ship navigating the country's waters. The operation marks a significant blow against drug trafficking in the region.

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Authorities had received information in February that a ship from eastern Thailand bound for Indonesia was preparing to depart with a 'suspicious' cargo in its hold.

The National Narcotics Agency received intelligence in February about a ship originating from eastern Thailand, destined for Indonesia, carrying a "suspicious" cargo. After weeks of monitoring, a Navy warship intercepted the MV King Sun, which was flying a Tanzanian flag, as it entered Indonesian territory near the Riau Islands province in the southwestern South China Sea on Thursday.

Inside the vessel, authorities discovered 65 hidden sacks. Subsequent analysis confirmed the contents to be ketamine. Suyudi Ario Seto, head of the National Narcotics Agency, revealed the drug's valuation at the press conference, amounting to approximately 2.1 trillion Indonesian rupiah (nearly $118 million or 102 million euros).

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A Navy warship intercepted the vessel MV King Sun, with a Tanzanian flag, upon entering Indonesian territory in waters near the Riau Islands province.

Eight crew members, seven from Myanmar and one from Taiwan, were arrested during the operation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the drug's origin and its intended recipient. Indonesia enforces strict anti-narcotics laws, with penalties including life imprisonment and the death penalty for the most severe cases, although the country has not carried out an execution in over ten years.

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Inside, 65 hidden sacks were found, which, after analysis of the merchandise, were confirmed to contain ketamine.