Indonesian authorities have arrested 285 individuals—including seven foreign nationals and 29 women—suspected of drug trafficking, as part of a two-month nationwide crackdown that also uncovered money laundering schemes and netted more than 0.68 tons of illicit drugs. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN), along with security and customs officials, launched the operation between April and June across 20 provinces.
The suspects were paraded before the media in Jakarta on Monday, handcuffed and clad in orange prison uniforms, alongside a sizable haul of narcotics and evidence of criminal proceeds. Authorities also seized assets worth over 26 billion rupiah (approximately ₹12.52 crore) linked to drug syndicates.
Foreigners and Women Among Detainees; Vast Range of Drugs Seized
The seven foreign nationals included an American, two Kazakhs, two Malaysians, an Indian, and an Australian. Officials said the female suspects were mostly unemployed and had been exploited by traffickers through personal relationships or online networks.
BNN Chief Marthinus Hukom cautioned Indonesian women to be more vigilant in their social interactions, both offline and online. “They are being manipulated and drawn into these networks unknowingly,” he said, calling on the public to remain alert.
Deputy BNN Chief Budi Wibowo revealed that seized narcotics included 683.8 kilograms of crystal meth, marijuana, ecstasy, THC, hashish, and amphetamines, which authorities estimate could have reached 1.3 million users. The drugs were trafficked via land, sea, and postal services—a growing trend, according to law enforcement.
Soaring Drug Crimes Prompt Concern as Execution Looms for Some
Indonesia’s latest crackdown reflects a sharp rise in drug-related cases. Officials said drug-related arrests have risen from 52,000 in 2023 to over 56,000 in 2024, with crystal meth seizures jumping from 6.2 tons to 7.5 tons, and marijuana from 1.1 tons to 3.3 tons in the same period. The estimated combined value of drugs seized in 2024 stands at 7.5 trillion rupiah (₹37,962.1 crore).
In a separate maritime operation in Riau Islands in May, authorities intercepted 2.7 tons of crystal meth and 1.2 tons of ketamine being smuggled by sea—part of an alarming trend of drug trafficking through Indonesia’s coastal waters.
Indonesia, which enforces some of the world’s harshest drug laws, has sentenced 530 people—including 96 foreigners—to death, mostly for drug offenses. The last executions took place in 2016, but capital punishment remains a real threat. Just this month, three British nationals in Bali were formally charged with attempting to smuggle cocaine and now face the death penalty.