Police Arrest Two Fugitives in Major Drug Smuggling Case from Malaysia

Indonesian police have apprehended two key fugitives, Indra Bayu and Solihin, in connection with a major drug smuggling operation involving 48 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 15 kilograms of ketamine, and 20,000 ecstasy pills. The drugs were being transported from Malaysia to Bengkalis, Riau, via a sea route. The bust occurred on May 18, 2026, when authorities intercepted a speedboat carrying the illicit substances.

Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crimes at the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), stated that the smugglers attempted to escape by jumping into the sea when their operation was foiled. Following the initial interception, investigators pursued leads on the two fugitives. Indra Bayu was arrested on June 16, 2026, at his parents' home in Bengkalis, Riau.

During interrogation, Indra Bayu implicated Solihin as the intermediary responsible for arranging the speedboat used in the smuggling. Solihin was subsequently arrested at his residence. Police believe Indra Bayu collaborated with Erwin and Nabil to transport the drugs, obtaining them from a Malaysian contact known as Wan. Another individual, identified as Atuk Ham, is suspected of controlling the operation from Indonesia. Erwin is believed to be on the run, while Nabil is reportedly being held captive by Atuk Ham's associates due to perceived responsibility for the failed shipment.

Both Erwin and Indra Bayu are also suspected of involvement in a previous smuggling case involving 27 kilograms of methamphetamine in July 2025. The Bareskrim Polri is actively pursuing Erwin and Nabil as couriers and is also seeking Atuk Ham and Wan, who are believed to be the masterminds behind the drug trafficking network in Indonesia and Malaysia, respectively.