International drug network busted in Makassar, 7 arrested

Authorities in Makassar have dismantled an international drug trafficking ring, arresting seven individuals and confiscating about 6 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. The network's reach extended from Malaysia and Riau province to Jakarta and finally Makassar, highlighting its significant cross-border operations.

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If the value of the evidence is estimated, it reaches Rp 12,134,000,000.

Polrestabes Makassar Chief Commissioner Arya Perdana stated that the seized drugs are valued at approximately 12.134 billion Indonesian rupiah ($800,000 USD). The arrested suspects include EB, TR, RP, YS, JA, DS, and a woman identified as WM. The investigation commenced in January 2026 when police initially apprehended EB with 44 grams of methamphetamine in Makassar. Further investigation revealed that EB had purchased the drugs from WM, who was subsequently arrested in a West Jakarta apartment with 23 grams of methamphetamine, establishing a Jakarta-Makassar connection.

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So, this is a Jakarta-Makassar network.

The police investigation expanded further, uncovering buyers within Makassar. From two such buyers, authorities seized 1 kilogram of methamphetamine from an apartment in Panakkukang district, which was intended for distribution. The probe then led to Pekanbaru, Riau, where police arrested three more suspects and seized 5 kilograms of the drug. The suspects face charges under Article 114 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph 1 of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, and Article 609 paragraph 2 letter a of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. Penalties range from a minimum of 6 years imprisonment to the maximum penalty of death, particularly for repeat offenders.

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For drug dealers, especially those who are repeat offenders like this, the maximum penalty is the death penalty.