Bareskrim Destroys 19.4kg of Methamphetamine Disguised as Chinese Tea Packaging
The Narcotics Crime Directorate (Dittipidnarkoba) of Bareskrim Polri has destroyed 19.4kg of methamphetamine. The drugs were seized from suspect Dedi Maryanto, 51.
The destruction took place at Bareskrim Polri’s TPS yard in South Jakarta on Tuesday (26/5/2026). The operation was led by investigators from Subdirectorat II of Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri.
Acting Head of Subdirectorat II Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri, Commissioner Gazali Ahmad, stated that the destruction reflects the police’s commitment to eradicating the illegal drug trade.
“The total net weight of the seized methamphetamine destroyed was 19,426.73 grams,” Gazali said in a statement on Wednesday (27/5/2026).
Gazali explained that the methamphetamine was concealed in 20 green packets of ‘Guanyiwang’ Chinese tea. Drug traffickers commonly use tea packaging to deceive authorities.
Before destruction, forensic laboratory (Puslabfor) experts from Bareskrim Polri conducted tests to verify the authenticity of the narcotics. The inspection was witnessed by representatives from the Prosecutor’s Office and Polri’s Provost officers.
“The testing process was carried out by Puslabfor officers in the presence of other officials,” he added.
The destruction involved incinerating thousands of grams of methamphetamine at high temperatures. “The evidence was incinerated until reduced to ash with no trace remaining,” Gazali said.
Narcotics Bust in Riau
Previously, Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri thwarted the trafficking of 21.1kg of methamphetamine in Riau. A suspect identified as DM was arrested in the case.
The investigation was conducted by Subdirectorat II Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri on Thursday (7/5) at a motorcycle workshop on Minas-Perawang Transverse Road in Siak Regency, Riau. Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso said the case began with public information about suspected drug trafficking in Riau.
“The team received information from the public about illegal methamphetamine trafficking in Riau,” Eko stated on Saturday (9/5).
Based on the information, Subdirectorat II Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim conducted an investigation and successfully apprehended Dedi Maryanto at Diori Motor Workshop in Siak Regency.
During the search, police found the methamphetamine hidden in a white truck. The drugs were concealed inside black boxes.
“The team conducted a search and successfully found the methamphetamine inside a white truck,” he said.
As a result of the investigation, police seized 20 clear plastic packets suspected to contain methamphetamine with a gross weight of 21,158 grams, or approximately 21.1kg. Additionally, a mobile phone, wallet, and identity card belonging to the suspect were confiscated.
“The suspect admitted collecting the drugs in Dumai and was transporting them to Jambi on the instructions of the owner,” he said.