Indonesian Police Bust Malaysia-Indonesia Drug Ring, Seize 27 Kg of Meth
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Indonesian police have dismantled a Malaysia-Indonesia drug trafficking network in Riau, seizing 27 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
- Two suspects were arrested, while a third, Ade Setiwan, is currently at large.
- The drugs were disguised in Chinese tea packaging and smuggled via speedboat.
Indonesian police have successfully dismantled a significant drug trafficking network operating between Malaysia and Indonesia. The operation, conducted in the Bengkalis region of Riau province, resulted in the seizure of approximately 27 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
The operation involved the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of approximately 27 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
According to Brig. Gen. Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crimes at the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), the bust involved the arrest of two suspects. The operation began after authorities received information about methamphetamine smuggling activities through the waters of Bengkalis. Police coordinated with customs officials and monitored the Malaysia-Indonesia border area.
The target managed to escape, and the team successfully secured evidence consisting of 3 backpacks containing crystals suspected to be methamphetamine, weighing approximately 27 kilograms.
During the operation, a speedboat suspected of carrying narcotics was pursued. Although the suspects managed to escape after docking at Pantai Penurun, Bengkalis, authorities recovered three backpacks containing the suspected meth. The illicit substance was cleverly concealed within packaging for Chinese tea. A speedboat and a Yamaha Enduro 75 HP engine were also confiscated.
The suspect picked up the methamphetamine from Malaysia with his friend, Bambang Irawan, and then the team conducted further development.
Further investigation, including IT analysis of phone numbers linked to the smuggling ring, led to the arrest of Adi Sofian. He confessed to traveling to Malaysia with another suspect, Bambang Irawan, to pick up the drugs. Subsequently, Bambang Irawan was apprehended at his home, stating he was recruited by Ade Setiwan for the smuggling trip. Ade Setiwan is now the subject of an ongoing manhunt. The arrested suspects and the seized evidence are undergoing further investigation.
From the suspect's interrogation, he was invited to pick up the goods in Malaysia by Ade Setiwan.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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