BNN and Customs Thwart Distribution of 2 Kg of Methamphetamine in Inter-Provincial Network in South Kalimantan

Efforts to protect the public from the threat of narcotics have once again yielded tangible results. Through inter-agency synergy, the Provincial Narcotics Agency (BNNP) of South Kalimantan, BNN’s Interdiction Team, and Customs via the South Kalimantan Regional Office (Kalbagsel) successfully thwarted the illicit distribution of approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine intended for circulation in South Kalimantan (Kalsel). This synergy is key to breaking the chain of cross-provincial narcotics distribution, which has the potential to damage the younger generation. The case was uncovered on Wednesday (4/3/2026), when officers grew suspicious of the movements of a suspect with initials MF (23), who was travelling from Silangit Airport in North Sumatra to Banjarmasin via a transit in Jakarta. The joint team then conducted intensive tailing, even inside the aircraft. “We conducted a joint investigation with BNN’s Interdiction Team, who also tailed him inside the aircraft,” said the Head of Eradication and Intelligence Division of BNNP Kalsel, Commissioner Police Andri Koko Prabowo, SIK, MH. Upon arrival at Syamsudin Noor Airport in Banjarbaru, the joint team continued surveillance of the suspect until it was determined he was staying at an inn near the airport, carrying a red suitcase. The following day, Thursday (5/3/2026), officers searched the premises occupied by the suspect. From the examination, officers found two packages containing crystalline powder hidden in the folds of a blanket inside the suitcase. After laboratory testing, the powder was confirmed to be methamphetamine weighing approximately 2 kilograms. “We found the meth hidden in the folds of the blanket. And after weighing, it was around 2 kilograms,” said Commissioner Andri Koko during a press conference on the destruction of evidence. This successful uncovering not only halts the narcotics distribution but also provides significant benefits to society, particularly in protecting the younger generation from drug abuse hazards and curbing the potential social and economic impacts. The Head of Enforcement and Investigation Division of the South Kalimantan Customs Regional Office, Heri Setiyanto, emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing the evolving narcotics crime. “We will continue to synergise, and indeed drugs are a shared problem. There are many evolving modi operandi that we must anticipate to save more of our youth and to reduce rehabilitation costs,” he said in a statement on Monday (6/4/2026). This synergy between BNN and Customs embodies the government’s commitment to strengthening oversight and closing loopholes in narcotics distribution, especially through air transport routes. With solid cooperation, it is hoped that drug eradication efforts will become increasingly effective and provide a sense of security for the wider community.