325kg of Methamphetamine Seized in Aceh, Two Suspects Arrested

Jakarta — Indonesian authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle approximately 325 kilograms of methamphetamine into Aceh, uncovering what is believed to be part of a cross-border drug trafficking network linking Thailand and Indonesia.
The operation involved a joint effort between the Aceh Regional Office of Customs and Excise, Lhokseumawe Customs, and the National Police’s Narcotics Investigation Center (NIC) Task Force I. The seizure took place in Meuraksa Village, Blang Mangat district, Lhokseumawe, on June 23.
The case came to light following intelligence-sharing and joint analysis conducted by the agencies. Authorities identified indications of a drug shipment entering Aceh via sea routes, reportedly transported on a fishing vessel originating from Thailand.
Investigators later obtained information that the target vessel was expected to dock in the Kuala Meuraksa area between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. local time.
Acting on this intelligence, the joint task force deployed personnel across both maritime and land units to maximize surveillance and interception capabilities.
A patrol vessel, BC 15031, was dispatched to monitor waters near Jambo Aye starting at 3 p.m., while ground teams conducted surveillance around suspected landing points.
At around 7:30 p.m., officers on land received confirmation that the target vessel had docked. Shortly afterward, at approximately 7:50 p.m., authorities intercepted a black SUV with license plate BK 19## ACH, suspected of transporting the narcotics from the landing site.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 13 sacks containing an estimated 325 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Head of the Aceh Customs Office, M Rizki Baidillah, confirmed that two suspects were arrested during the operation. The individuals, identified by their initials J and Z, are believed to have acted as sea courier and land courier, respectively.
The suspects and the seized evidence were subsequently transferred to Lhokseumawe Customs for administrative processing before being handed over to the NIC Task Force of the National Police for further investigation.
Authorities said the case remains under development as investigators work to dismantle the broader network behind the smuggling attempt.
Rizki noted that the success of the operation stemmed from integrated intelligence analysis followed by coordinated enforcement on both land and sea.
“This operational pattern enables comprehensive monitoring—from maritime entry points to landing sites and inland distribution routes—ensuring both the suspects and the evidence can be secured,” he said.
Separately, Director of Narcotics Interdiction at Customs, R Syarif Hidayat, emphasized that the case highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating transnational drug trafficking.
“Customs will continue to strengthen cooperation, intelligence exchange, and joint operations with law enforcement agencies to close every possible entry point for illegal narcotics into Indonesia,” he said.
Customs authorities reiterated their commitment to safeguarding communities from the dangers of drug trafficking, underscoring their role as a frontline protector against illicit cross-border activities.

Indonesianpost.com | Republika