LABUHANBATU | INDATANEWS.COM - Police in Labuhanbatu Regency have foiled a drug smuggling operation involving an international network linking Malaysia, Dumai, Medan and Aceh. Officers seized 30 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 20,000 ecstasy pills in the operation and arrested a 62-year-old man identified by the initials MI, also known as I.
Police uncovered the case on Friday, August 21,
2026, at around 7:15 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) on Jalan Lintas Sumatera HM Said, Pardamean Urban Village, Rantau Selatan District, Labuhanbatu Regency.
Labuhanbatu Police Chief AKBP Wahyu Endrajaya SIK MSi announced the successful operation on Monday, August 24, 2026, during a press conference at the Yan Piter Hall of the Labuhanbatu Police Headquarters on Jalan MH Thamrin in Rantauprapat. Wahyu was accompanied by Kodim 0209/LB Military District Commander Lt. Col. Kav. Hanung Kaptiaji SSos MIP, represented by his staff adviser Turing Ritonga ST MT, the Labuhanbatu Regent, representatives of religious communities, Deputy Police Chief Kompol Panggil Simbolon SH, Narcotics Investigation Unit Chief AKP Hardiyanto SH MH, Public Relations Chief AKP Aswin Irwan SH, and several narcotics investigators.
"The drug trafficking case was uncovered on Friday, August 21,
2026, at around 7:15 p.m. on Jalan Lintas Sumatera HM Said, Pardamean Urban Village, Rantau Selatan District, Labuhanbatu Regency," AKBP Wahyu said.
Investigation Triggered by Public Tip
AKBP Wahyu explained that the investigation began after the Labuhanbatu Police Narcotics Investigation Unit received information from members of the public. According to the tip, a black Mitsubishi Xpander bearing registration number BK 1553 AEF was allegedly transporting a large quantity of narcotics. The vehicle was also suspected of being connected to an interregional and international drug trafficking network.
Based on the information, the narcotics investigation team led by AKP Hardiyanto launched an investigation. Officers subsequently spotted a vehicle matching the description while it was traveling along Jalan Lintas Sumatera HM Said.
Police stopped the vehicle and arrested MI, also known as I. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers found two backpacks containing numerous packages suspected of containing narcotics.
"During the search, officers found two backpacks containing 30 large packages of crystal methamphetamine with a total weight of 30 kilograms, along with four transparent packages containing a total of 20,000 ecstasy pills," Wahyu said.
The seized drugs became key evidence in the investigation into the alleged narcotics network, whose distribution route is believed to have extended across several countries and regions of Indonesia.
In addition to the 30 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 20,000 ecstasy pills, officers seized the Mitsubishi Xpander bearing registration number BK 1553 AEF used by the suspect, a mobile phone, two backpacks, a wallet and cash amounting to Rp2.7 million.
RECOGNITION FOR SUCCESSFUL DRUG INVESTIGATION: Kodim 0209/LB Commander Lt. Col. Kav. Hanung Kaptiaji commends the Labuhanbatu Police Narcotics Investigation Unit for uncovering the narcotics network and calls on the public to work together to combat drug trafficking. (PHOTO: Ucok Bangun)
Drugs Transported from Dumai to Medan
During an initial interrogation, MI allegedly told investigators that he had transported the drugs on the orders of a man identified by the initials M, who is believed to be from Aceh. Police are continuing to investigate M's identity and alleged role within the network.
According to the suspect's initial statement, the drugs originated in Malaysia. The network allegedly brought the narcotics into Indonesia through Dumai, Riau Province. MI was then instructed to transport the drugs to Medan.
"The illegal drugs originated in Malaysia and were transported by the suspect from Dumai, Riau Province, to Medan. MI was promised payment of Rp4 million per kilogram," AKBP Wahyu said.
The statement prompted investigators to examine more closely the narcotics distribution route from Malaysia to several regions across Indonesia. Police believe the network involved more than one person, with other individuals allegedly playing roles in transporting and distributing the drugs.
AKBP Wahyu emphasized that investigators from the Labuhanbatu Police Narcotics Investigation Unit were continuing to develop the case. Officers are working to identify and arrest other individuals allegedly involved in the narcotics trafficking network.
"The narcotics investigation team is continuing its efforts to identify other individuals suspected of being involved in the drug trafficking network. The investigation will continue to uncover the network allegedly linking Malaysia, Dumai, Medan and Aceh," AKBP Wahyu said.
POLICE CONTINUE INVESTIGATION: Labuhanbatu Police Chief AKBP Wahyu Endrajaya explains the uncovering of the narcotics network linking Malaysia, Dumai, Medan and Aceh, as well as the ongoing investigation into other individuals allegedly involved. (PHOTO: Ucok Bangun)
Suspect Faces Possible Death Penalty
MI has been charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) of Indonesia's Narcotics Law No. 35/2009 in conjunction with Law No. 1/2026 on adjustments to criminal law. In the alternative, Article 609 paragraph (2) letter a of Law No. 1/2023 on the Criminal Code in conjunction with Law No. 1/2026 will be applied.
Based on the charges against him, MI faces the death penalty, life imprisonment or a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
The large quantity of drugs seized also illustrates, according to police, the scale of the planned distribution operation. Labuhanbatu Police estimate that the seizure could prevent around 310,000 people from consuming the narcotics.
The calculation is based on the assumption that one gram of crystal methamphetamine can be consumed by 10 people, while two ecstasy pills are sufficient for one person. With 30 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 20,000 ecstasy pills seized, police described the operation as an important contribution to preventing the distribution of narcotics among the public.
The Labuhanbatu Regency Government, representatives of religious communities and the leadership of Kodim 0209/LB praised the successful work of the Labuhanbatu Police Narcotics Investigation Unit in uncovering the interregional and cross-border narcotics network.
Kodim 0209/LB Commander Lt. Col. Kav. Hanung Kaptiaji called on all sections of society to work together to combat drug trafficking. He said efforts to fight drugs require cooperation among law enforcement agencies, the government, religious leaders and the public.
"We share the same vision and mission with the police, namely to combat drugs," Lt. Col. Hanung said.
Following the discovery of the case, Labuhanbatu Police are continuing their investigation to identify and track down other individuals allegedly involved. At the same time, officers are examining the distribution routes linking Malaysia, Dumai, Medan and Aceh in an effort to disrupt the network's supply chain. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ucok Bangun/ML Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala