67 Kg of Crystal Meth Smuggled During Eid Exodus, Banten Police Chief: Perpetrators Exploit Crowded Ferry Port
Police efforts to smuggle large quantities of narcotics were successfully foiled by law enforcement during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr exodus period. The Banten Regional Police seized 67 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from several enforcement actions in the Merak Port area, Cilegon City, throughout March 2026. The perpetrators were known to exploit the dense flow of passengers to disguise their activities.
Banten Police Chief Inspector General Hengki stated that this operation was indeed focused on securing mudik routes that are vulnerable to drug networks.
“This operation was carried out as part of maintaining security and public order during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr exodus,” said Hengki in Serang on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
He explained that the disclosures were made through several separate enforcement actions during the month of March. The first arrest was made against two foot passengers at the Merak Executive Pier. From that action, police seized 15 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and one firearm.
“The evidence of 15 kg of crystal methamphetamine and one firearm was first secured from two foot passengers at the Merak Executive Pier on 8 and 12 March,” he said.
The perpetrators are suspected of trying to take advantage of the crowded port conditions filled with Eid travellers to deceive the officers. However, their efforts failed after officers conducted thorough checks using X-ray scanners to inspect passengers’ luggage.
A larger disclosure occurred on 18 March. Police found 52 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside a minibus that had just arrived from Sumatra. From this case, police have named three suspects who are suspected to be part of an inter-island drug distribution syndicate.
“The firearm possession case is now being handled by the Criminal Investigation Directorate, while the drug case with a total of 67 kg of crystal methamphetamine is being investigated further by the Narcotics Directorate of Banten Regional Police,” he added.
This disclosure at Merak Port adds to the long list of drug cases successfully dismantled by authorities in the Banten region. From January to February 2026, Banten Regional Police recorded 35 drug cases uncovered with a total of 54 suspects.
Police emphasise that surveillance at crossing routes will continue to be tightened because inter-island routes remain one of the favourite smuggling routes for narcotics. Authorities also ensure that checks at the port will be further intensified during this year’s Eid al-Fitr exodus and return flow periods.