Lampung Police Failed Drug Smuggling Worth IDR 14.7 Billion

The Lampung Regional Police thwarted efforts to smuggle hundreds of kilograms of marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, and thousands of ecstasy pills worth Rp. 14.7 billion, Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

The Lampung Regional Police (Polda) managed to thwart an attempt to smuggle various types of drugs worth Rp. 14.7 billion. This operation took place over the past month and prevented drug trafficking from the island of Sumatra to Java.

The evidence that was successfully secured was 256 kilograms of marijuana, 13.7 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 50 grams of synthetic tobacco, 2,000 ecstasy pills, and a number of other illegal drugs.

In addition to confiscating evidence, the police also arrested 215 suspects consisting of users, couriers, and drug dealers. Most of the perpetrators were arrested in the Bakauheni Port area, South Lampung, which is often the main route for drug smuggling.

Lampung Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Helmy Santika, revealed that of the hundreds of perpetrators arrested, five of them are major methamphetamine dealers linked to Fredy Pratama's international network, a drug kingpin who is currently a fugitive from the National Police Headquarters and Interpol.

According to Inspector General of Police Helmy, the evidence of drugs that were confiscated had an economic value of Rp. 14.7 billion. More importantly, this effort is considered capable of saving more than 313,520 people from the dangers of drugs.

"Of the 215 suspects we arrested, 40 were present at the press conference. The rest were deposited in the police and police ranks," said the Kapolda during a press conference at SPN Kemiling, Bandar Lampung, on Wednesday, November 20.

The Lampung Regional Police Chief emphasized that efforts to eradicate drugs did not stop at disclosing cases. The Lampung Regional Police continues to cooperate with the public to fight illicit drug trafficking in the area.

"In the future, we will continue to develop this case to arrest other drug networks. In addition, we will also investigate indications of money laundering (TPPU) committed by drug dealers," he said.

The Lampung Regional Police ensured that this drug eradication step would continue as a commitment to protect the public from the dangers of narcotics.