Indonesia Seizes 2.6 Tons of Liquid Meth, Millions of Illegal Cigarettes

Authorities in Indonesia have successfully intercepted a major drug smuggling operation, seizing approximately 2.6 tons of liquid methamphetamine and 1.57 million untaxed cigarettes. The significant bust occurred in the waters of the Riau Islands between August 17-18, 2026, involving a joint effort by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Indonesia, and the Riau Islands Regional Police.

The operation, codenamed "MV Ocean Porter," began with intelligence analysis in early August 2026, which flagged anomalies in the movement of the Tanzania-flagged vessel. Profiling indicated the ship was likely involved in ship-to-ship narcotics transfers in the Andaman Sea and Strait of Malacca before heading towards the Singapore Strait. Customs officials intensified monitoring as the vessel entered Indonesian waters.

A coordinated pursuit and boarding operation was launched on August 17 by a joint team from the DJBC and BNN. Utilizing multiple patrol boats, the team successfully intercepted and secured the MV Ocean Porter in the waters north of Tanjung Parit. The vessel was then towed to the Tanjung Balai Karimun Customs and Excise PSO pier for a thorough inspection.

During the detailed examination on August 18, which included the deployment of K-9 units and advanced detection equipment, officers discovered eight drums and one tank containing a strong-smelling liquid hidden in the ship's hold. Preliminary tests confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine, with an estimated gross weight of 2.6 tons. Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Djaka Budhi Utama, stated that the seizure represents a major success and highlights a serious attempt to smuggle narcotics into Indonesia via sea routes. The operation is estimated to have saved approximately 14.15 million lives from potential drug abuse.

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The finding represents one of the main results of the operation. The very large amount of narcotics indicates a serious attempt to bring narcotics into Indonesian territory via sea routes.