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| Indonesian Police Foil Smuggling of 30 Kg Crystal Meth Arrest Three Members of International Drug Network. |
Tolitoli, Central Sulawesi — The Narcotics Investigation Directorate of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police has successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 30 kilograms of methamphetamine (crystal meth) through a coastal area in Kapas Village, Tolitoli, on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
The operation was led directly by Director of Narcotics Investigation, Police Commissioner Pribadi Sembiring, after an intensive three-month investigation into a long-standing international drug syndicate.
Who Was Arrested?
Police apprehended three suspects identified by the initials JK (68), HS (47), and S (28). These individuals were arrested while attempting to dock using a high-speed boat.
During the arrest, authorities seized two sacks containing 15 packages of meth each, along with three mobile phones used for coordinating the smuggling operation.
How Did the Operation Work?
According to police reports, suspects JK and HS initially traveled from Tolitoli to Tarakan, then continued to Berau, East Kalimantan, before heading to Semporna, Malaysia. In Malaysia, they received the drugs from an international network.
The trio then returned to Indonesia with suspect S and made several stops across islands to avoid law enforcement detection. However, authorities had been tracking their movements since 2021 and successfully intercepted them as they approached the coast of Tolitoli.
When Did the Arrest Take Place?
The arrest occurred on Thursday, July 24, and the police officially disclosed the operation to the public on Monday, July 28, 2025, during a press briefing led by Commissioner Sembiring.
Why Is This Significant?
This major drug bust is estimated to have saved approximately 150,000 lives, based on the quantity of methamphetamine confiscated.
“This is an old network that we’ve been monitoring since 2021. This successful operation prevented a massive distribution of narcotics in Indonesia,” said Commissioner Pribadi Sembiring.
What’s Next?
The three suspects are now in custody and face charges under Indonesia’s Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, carrying penalties of life imprisonment and fines of up to IDR 10 billion (approximately USD 615,000).
The Central Sulawesi Police are continuing to investigate the case and are actively pursuing other members of the international syndicate involved in this cross-border drug smuggling operation.
This case highlights the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking networks and the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts to protect communities from the devastating effects of narcotics.
The Central Sulawesi Police reaffirm their commitment to tightening border security and preventing Indonesia from becoming a transit point or market for international drug syndicates.
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