In connection with the case, one suspect, identified as M, 36, has been apprehended and placed in custody at the Criminal Investigation Unit's Detention Center in Jakarta.
"On April 8, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m. WIB (Western Indonesia Time), we made an arrest and seized 192 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine," director of drug crimes at the Criminal Investigation Unit, Brigadier General Pol. Eko Hadi Santoso, told the press in Jakarta on Monday.
Police said the suspect served as the land courier responsible for transporting the drugs.
The operation to arrest M was initiated based on intelligence indicating an imminent shipment of crystal methamphetamine destined for Aceh via the Malacca Strait by an Indonesian-Malaysian drug syndicate.
Investigations revealed that on April 6, 2025, members of the network had set sail to retrieve the drug shipment.
Two days later, the authorities received confirmation that the vessel had made landfall and the drug package had been transferred to the land courier.
Subsequently, the investigation team conducted a search of the coastal area around Pandrah, Bireuen, Aceh, where they located a car driven by suspect M, who was believed to be transporting the crystal methamphetamine.
Investigators pursued the vehicle. However, according to Santoso, during the chase, the car collided with an oncoming truck. "During the pursuit, the suspect's vehicle struck a truck. Thankfully, the suspect survived," he reported.
Upon searching the vehicle, the authorities discovered ten sacks of 192 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine concealed as Chinese tea.
During interrogation, suspect M revealed that he was acting under the orders of an individual identified as R, who instructed him to receive the drug shipment.
Investigators subsequently placed R and another individual, identified with the initials F, on their wanted list (DPO).
Santoso declined to disclose F's specific role at this time.
"We are currently working to identify other individuals who may have been involved in facilitating this operation," he said.
He also informed that investigators are examining suspect M's role as a courier within the drug trafficking network.
"The suspect is currently being interrogated. We are unable to provide further details at this time, as ongoing investigative techniques are necessary," he explained.
Suspect M has been charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) subsidiary Article 112 paragraph (2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, which carries a minimum sentence of 5 years' imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rp1 billion.