Banten Police Uncover 15 kg Methamphetamine Smuggling at Merak Port

Banten Regional Police have dismantled a methamphetamine smuggling operation at Merak Port. In addition to the drug seizure, officers also apprehended a passenger carrying a firearm.

“Over the past week, we have been successful, particularly at the executive terminal, in securing passengers carrying firearms and narcotics. We managed to seize approximately 15 kilograms of methamphetamine,” said Banten Police Chief Inspector General Hengki at Banten Police Headquarters in Serang City on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

Hengki declined to provide further details on the case, including the number of suspects arrested. He stated that the case remains under investigation.

Hengki assured that officers from the Banten Police Narcotics Directorate (Ditresnarkoba) will maintain vigilance at Merak Port. “We will also deploy personnel from the Narcotics Directorate and the Critical Infrastructure Security Directorate (Ditpamobvit) at the port, particularly at Merak ASDP Port,” he said.

Port Security Measures

Hengki announced that police and military personnel will be stationed on every ferry operating between Merak and Ciwandan. Officers will maintain security and passenger comfort during transit.

“We are deploying security personnel on board the vessels in accordance with standard operating procedures. We are involving members from both the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and Marine Police (Polair),” he stated.

“Every departure and return voyage is secured by Brimob and Polair. Military personnel are also positioned there, creating an integrated operation,” he added.

Additionally, Hengki reported on the readiness of infrastructure for passengers. However, some improvements and road repairs remain ongoing.

“There are sections of expressway still undergoing refinement, including road markings that are being painted and other works,” he said.