PIDIE | INDATANEWS.COM - Indonesian police have uncovered an illegal methamphetamine laboratory in Pidie, Aceh, seizing almost 1.2 tonnes of the drug in a joint operation with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Customs and other relevant authorities on Friday, 23 October 2026. The discovery in Gampong Ulee Tutue, Mutiara Timur District, marks a significant operation against a drug network suspected of operating beyond regional and national borders.
The scale of the seizure highlights the threat posed by domestic drug production, which can expand the supply of illegal substances and expose communities, particularly young people, to the risks of drug abuse.
National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto, Dr (HC), S.I.K., S.H., M.Si., led a press conference after personally inspecting the laboratory site with his delegation. He stressed that cooperation between law enforcement agencies, government institutions and the public was essential to disrupting drug supply and distribution networks.
Senior officials attending the press conference included National Police Criminal Investigation Chief Commissioner General Asep Safrudin, S.I.K., M.H.; Aceh Police Chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan, S.I.K., S.H., M.H.; and Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah, S.E. Representatives of regional leadership coordination forums in Aceh and Pidie, relevant agencies and local community figures were also present.
Joint Operation Targets Drug Networks
The National Police chief attributed the discovery to cooperation between law enforcement agencies, the government and the public. He said such coordination was crucial to tackling drug networks whose operations could extend across regions and national borders, including overseas.
"This is a major blow to international drug networks and a stark wake-up call for all of us. The Indonesian Armed Forces and the police, the government and every section of society must continue working together to combat narcotics," he said.
The discovery of a production facility on this scale underlines why anti-drug operations cannot focus solely on street-level dealers. Investigators must also identify production sites, trace suppliers of raw materials, map distribution routes and establish who is directing the network.
The operation in Pidie forms part of wider efforts to protect the public from illegal drugs. Coordinated enforcement can restrict the reach of trafficking networks and help prevent illicit substances from entering families, schools and local communities.
POLICE CHIEF URGES UNITED ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS:
Indonesian National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto stresses the importance of cooperation between the armed forces, police, government and public in tackling international drug networks. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Investigators Pursue Suspects and Trace Financial Flows
The National Police chief said the investigation was continuing, with officers pursuing people on the wanted list who were suspected of involvement in the network. The aim is to identify other individuals linked to the manufacture and distribution of narcotics.
Investigators are also examining six mobile phones seized during the operation. The devices may provide evidence of communications, links between suspects and the possible involvement of additional network members.
Authorities are separately investigating suspected money laundering connected with the network. Tracing financial transactions could help establish the sources of funding, profits generated by the illegal business and assets potentially linked to narcotics offences.
Following the money is important because drug networks can use complex organisational structures, communications and financial transactions to conceal their activities. Combining narcotics investigations with financial tracing may enable authorities to uncover the wider operation rather than simply arresting people found at the production site.
Further action must be supported by admissible evidence and conducted in accordance with the law. Investigators will need to establish links between individuals, seized evidence and the activities under investigation before any suspected offenders can be held legally accountable.
ACEH DEPUTY GOVERNOR CALLS FOR STRONGER DRUG PREVENTION: Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah welcomes the discovery of the methamphetamine laboratory and highlights the importance of education, rehabilitation and the involvement of families and educational institutions. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Aceh Strengthens Drug Prevention for Young People
Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah praised the National Police and other agencies involved in uncovering the laboratory. He also called for stronger cooperation on prevention and enforcement through public education, rehabilitation and greater involvement from families, educational institutions and community leaders.
Prevention is an important complement to law enforcement. Communities need reliable information about the dangers of narcotics, the risks of drug abuse and the support available to people who require treatment or rehabilitation.
Families can help protect children and young people by maintaining open communication. Schools and universities can expand education on the consequences of drug use and the dangers of becoming involved in trafficking. Religious leaders, traditional figures and other community representatives can also help foster a healthy environment that discourages drug abuse.
The presence of government officials, law enforcement personnel, religious and traditional leaders, school pupils, university students and other community members at the event in Pidie reflected the importance of involving different sections of society. State enforcement alone cannot address the problem; prevention also depends on sustained public awareness and participation.
The National Police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that might be linked to illegal drug production or distribution. Information from the public can help authorities identify potential offences at an early stage, although all reports must be assessed through professional investigations.
The discovery of the laboratory in Pidie demonstrates the need for sustained action against illegal drugs. Raids on production facilities must be accompanied by investigations into network structures, financial tracing, public education and access to rehabilitation.
The message from Pidie is clear: Indonesia must not become a production base or transit point for the illegal drug trade. Cooperation between law enforcement agencies, government institutions, families, educational establishments and communities remains essential to protecting young people and creating a safer, healthier environment.
The latest operation must now be followed by a thorough investigation to ensure that anyone whose involvement is established can be held accountable under the law. At the same time, stronger prevention efforts in families and local communities remain vital to reducing demand for illegal drugs and preventing further harm.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala