BNN and Customs Authority Break Up Drug Network in Batam, Six Suspects Arrested

BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - The National Narcotics Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BNN RI), in cooperation with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), has successfully uncovered a drug smuggling and distribution network operating in Batam City. A joint operation conducted at several locations resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of various types of narcotics and dangerous substances.

BNN RI and DJBC held a press conference on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the scene of the operation in a boarding house area in Batu Ampar, Batam City. During the event, both agencies presented the results of a joint operation carried out through a series of enforcement measures at four different locations across Batam.

The joint team from BNN RI and DJBC, particularly the Narcotics Interdiction Directorate, uncovered a network allegedly involved in the smuggling and distribution of various narcotics. The seized substances included MDMA, methamphetamine, ketamine, ecstasy, and etomidate in electronic vape cartridge form.

Suspicious Package From Malaysia Leads to Investigation

The case began when customs officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport detected a suspicious package originating from Malaysia. The package was declared as a dietary supplement and was addressed to a recipient in Batam.

Officers conducted an in-depth examination of the package. A laboratory analysis by the Jakarta Customs and Excise Laboratory (BLBC) confirmed that the contents tested positive for MDMA, ketamine, and other dangerous chemical substances.

Based on these findings, the customs authority coordinated further investigations with BNN RI to identify the package recipient and uncover the drug network operating in Batam.

On Wednesday, July 28, 2026, the joint team monitored an individual identified by the initials BAP, who was suspected of collecting the package. During initial questioning, BAP admitted that he had retrieved the package on the instructions of a person identified by the initials ED.

Based on this information, investigators continued their operation at a boarding house in the Batu Ampar area. At the location, officers found several individuals who tested positive for the use of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and drug precursor materials.

The team then tracked ED and arrested him at a hotel in the Lubuk Baja area along with three other individuals identified by the initials TFS, NI, and TT.

During the arrests, officers seized several pieces of evidence, including four cartridges suspected of containing etomidate, three suspected ecstasy tablets, approximately 2.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and a package containing suspected ketamine.

Searches Expanded to Multiple Locations

The enforcement team continued the investigation by searching TFS's vehicle, where they discovered five small plastic packages containing suspected methamphetamine.

Investigators then conducted a search at the house of TFS's parents in the Teluk Tering area. The officers found several vape devices and bong pipes believed to be connected to narcotics abuse activities.

On Thursday, July 29, 2026, the joint team carried out another search at an apartment in Teluk Tering occupied by TFS and NI. During the search, officers discovered 71 vape devices allegedly containing etomidate, along with two packages labeled "Happy Water" that were suspected of containing methamphetamine.

On Friday, July 30, 2026, investigators searched a boarding house room in Batu Ampar occupied by RR and FDL. The search resulted in the discovery of 91 vape devices suspected of containing etomidate.

As a final step, the team conducted another inspection using the Batam Customs Authority's K9 detection dogs at the Batu Ampar boarding house.

In addition to dismantling the drug network, Batam Customs also carried out a separate enforcement action against etomidate smuggling at Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal.

Officers prevented the smuggling of 48 vape cartridges containing etomidate that were allegedly brought in by a passenger identified by the initials PS, a Malaysian citizen traveling from Stulang Laut. The case remains under further investigation by Batam Customs.

Seized Narcotics Potentially Prevent Thousands of Lives at Risk

From the entire series of operations, the joint team secured numerous pieces of evidence consisting of narcotics and equipment allegedly used to support drug trafficking activities.

The seized items included 1,076.18 grams of powdered MDMA, 50 grams of methamphetamine, 10 ecstasy tablets, 170 etomidate cartridges for electronic vapes, 12 bottles containing etomidate with a total weight of 226 grams, and 86 tablets of the psychotropic drug Happy Five.

Authorities also seized 49 electronic vape devices, 25.6 grams of powdered ketamine, nine methamphetamine consumption devices or bongs, one plastic pressing machine, six digital scales, and plastic packaging materials for etomidate cartridges.

Based on the total amount of narcotics seized, authorities estimated that 6,770 people were potentially protected from the dangers of drug abuse. The operation also contributed to potential savings in government healthcare and rehabilitation costs estimated at around Rp10.8 billion.

The suspects are alleged to have violated Article 114 Paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 Paragraph (1) and/or Article 112 Paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 Paragraph (1) of Indonesia's Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics.

The suspects face imprisonment ranging from a minimum of five years to life imprisonment, and in certain cases, the death penalty, along with fines ranging from Rp1 billion to Rp10 billion.

Currently, all suspects and evidence remain under custody as the investigation process continues.

Head of the Batam Type B Customs and Excise Main Service Office (KPU), Agung Widodo, stated that the discovery of this case highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug distribution networks.

"This operation demonstrates that cooperation between institutions is not only about law enforcement, but also provides concrete protection for thousands of people. Batam Customs has monitored the trend of etomidate smuggling through vape products since the beginning of the year. The uncovering of this network is a concrete continuation of our daily monitoring efforts in the Batam border region," said Agung Widodo, Head of the Batam Type B Customs and Excise Main Service Office.

BNN RI and DJBC reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening information exchange, expanding operational coordination, and disrupting narcotics supply chains before they spread further throughout society.

Batam Customs also urged the public to immediately report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking to the relevant authorities. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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