Indonesian customs officials in Batam have announced the discovery of two new methods used by drug syndicates to smuggle narcotics from Malaysia, leading to the seizure of approximately 1.5 kilograms of illegal substances in two separate cases. Authorities say these findings reflect increasingly bold tactics by criminal networks attempting to bypass security checks.
Batam Customs and Excise chief Zaky Firmansyah said the recent interceptions demonstrate the agency’s commitment to monitoring emerging smuggling patterns and strengthening enforcement across ferry terminals and nearby waters. He noted that drug smugglers have begun adopting more concealed methods when trying to transport substances across borders.
The first case occurred on October 29 at the Batam Center International Ferry Terminal. A passenger arriving from Johor, Malaysia, aboard the MV Citra Legacy 5 drew suspicion after a K-9 unit signaled interest. An inspection later revealed substances hidden using internal concealment methods. Officers transported the suspect, identified as MM, to a hospital for further examination, which confirmed the presence of illicit items.
Authorities reported confiscating multiple packages totaling 236 grams of methamphetamine (sabu) and 256 ecstasy pills. MM initially attempted to flee but was later apprehended and handed over to the Riau Islands Police Narcotics Crimes Division for further legal processing.
In a separate maritime operation, a customs patrol aboard BC 15029 discovered a bag floating near Sau Island. Officials believe it was deliberately discarded to avoid detection by patrol teams. Inside the bag were nine packages of methamphetamine weighing a combined 1.029 kilograms. The evidence has since been transferred to the Riau Islands branch of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN).
Together, the two cases resulted in the seizure of roughly 1.5 kilograms of narcotics, reinforcing concerns about the evolving tactics used by syndicates operating between Malaysia and Indonesia.
In a related development in North Sumatra, police arrested two suspected drug couriers on November 9 in Bangun Sari village, Asahan regency. The individuals, identified as DGM, 37, and WR, 30, reportedly worked as mules transporting narcotics from one province to another.
Asahan Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Revi Nurvelani said the suspects were promised payment of 3 million rupiah (about US$179) per kilogram of drugs successfully delivered to Palembang. With an estimated load of 76 kilograms, the pair expected to receive 228 million rupiah from a handler identified only as D, who remains at large.
Revi said one of the couriers had successfully completed a previous delivery of 38 kilograms to Palembang in late October. Police intercepted the suspects after receiving a tip-off and stopping their vehicle, where they found multiple plastic sacks containing narcotics.
Both individuals are now in custody as police continue to investigate the broader network and search for the alleged coordinator. Authorities say the cases highlight the persistence of drug syndicates and the need for continued coordination among enforcement agencies across the region.
The investigations remain ongoing in both Batam and North Sumatra as officials work to trace the full extent of the smuggling operations.
