Aceh Police Fails To Smuggle 180 Kilograms Of Shabu

Aceh Police Narcotics Directorate personnel compiled 180 kg of crystal methamphetamine evidence at the Aceh Police Headquarters in Banda Aceh, Wednesday (26/6/2024). ANTARA/M Haris SA

The Aceh Police thwarted the smuggling of methamphetamine drugs weighing up to 180 kilograms (kg) allegedly carried out by an international network.

Aceh Police Chief Inspector General Achmad Kartiko said that in addition to securing 180 kg of crystal methamphetamine, officers also arrested two perpetrators separately in East Aceh Regency.

"This methamphetamine-type drug trafficking is carried out through the Malacca Strait sea route. The perpetrators are a network of international narcotics syndicates, Indonesia and Malaysia," said Achmad Kartiko as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, June 26.

The second is the initials I (41), the fishermen's work, and M (32), private work. Both are residents of Naleung Village, Rawang Hamlet, Julok District, East Aceh Regency.

The disclosure of drug smuggling began with public information on June 12, 2024. The information stated that there would be a large number of methamphetamine pick-ups in the Malacca Strait, Malaysian waters.

"The information also states that the drugs were picked up using fishing boats from Kuala Simpang Ulim, East Aceh Regency, to Malaysian waters," said the Aceh Police Chief.

Furthermore, the Aceh Police's Narcotics Investigation Directorate team followed up on information from the public. The team also collaborated with a joint Customs and Excise team for sea and land patrols.

In the early hours of June 15, 2024, said the Kapolda, a joint team found a fishing boat suspected of being in Peureulak Waters, East Aceh Regency. The team chased the ship and saw three people jumping into the sea.

After the fishing boat was stopped, the joint team searched for three people who jumped and only managed to find one, namely I. Then, the team checked the ship and found nine sacks containing 180 packages containing methamphetamine.

"Perpetrator I is the ship's tekong. Based on the results of the initial inspection, the team arrested M on land around East Aceh. M is suspected of controlling the smuggling of 180 kg of methamphetamine," said Achmad Kartiko.

The two suspected perpetrators along with evidence of 180 kg of crystal methamphetamine were secured at the Aceh Police Headquarters in Banda Aceh. In addition to methamphetamine, investigators also confiscated four cell phones, one fishing boat, a GPS unit or a position determinant, and a minibus.