Indonesia Seizes 325 Kg of Methamphetamine Smuggled from Thailand

Authorities in Aceh, Indonesia, have successfully intercepted a major drug smuggling operation, seizing approximately 325 kilograms of methamphetamine. The bust was a collaborative effort between the Aceh Customs and Excise Office, Lhokseumawe Customs, and a special police task force from the National Police Headquarters.

The operation, which began with intelligence analysis and joint operations, targeted a shipment believed to have originated in Thailand and destined for Aceh via sea routes using fishing vessels. Based on intelligence, a specific vessel was expected to dock in the Kuala Meuraksa area of Blang Mangat District between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

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The team also secured two suspects, identified by the initials J, who allegedly acted as the sea courier, and Z as the land courier.

A joint team, divided into sea and land units, was deployed. The sea unit patrolled the Jambo Aye sector, while the land unit monitored the suspected landing site. Around 7:30 PM, the land team received confirmation that the target vessel had arrived. Shortly after, at 7:50 PM, a black SUV with license plate BK 19## ACH, believed to be used for transporting the drugs, was intercepted near the landing location.

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The pattern of this operation allowed for comprehensive surveillance, from sea routes to landing points and land distribution, ensuring the successful apprehension of evidence and perpetrators.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers discovered 13 sacks containing the suspected methamphetamine. The head of the Aceh Customs and Excise Office, M. Rizki Baidillah, confirmed the seizure and announced the arrest of two suspects. One, identified by the initials J, is believed to have served as the sea courier, while Z allegedly acted as the land courier. Both suspects and the confiscated drugs were transported to the Lhokseumawe Customs Office for further processing and handover to the National Police's Narcotics Investigation Center.

Customs officials stated that the successful operation is a testament to the synergy between different agencies in combating cross-border drug smuggling. The integrated approach, covering sea, landing, and land distribution points, proved effective in apprehending the suspects and seizing the illicit cargo. Investigations are continuing to dismantle the entire smuggling network.

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This success is a tangible manifestation of inter-agency synergy in confronting the threat of cross-border drug smuggling.