BNN Uncovers 1.2 Tonnes of Ketamine Worth IDR 2.1 Trillion on MV King Sun
The National Narcotics Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BNN RI) has successfully foiled the smuggling of 1,298 kilograms of ketamine from the vessel MV King Sun in Indonesian waters, with an economic value reaching nearly Rp2.1 trillion. Head of BNN RI, Police Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, stated that this seizure is a response to the increasingly widespread trend of ketamine abuse over the past decade.
“Ketamine is an anaesthetic, but it is being abused. Ketamine is a prescription drug, yet its abuse has become increasingly massive over the last 10 years,” Suyudi said at a press conference in Batam on Sunday (9/8).
The 1.2 tonnes of evidence was discovered by a joint team in 65 sacks hidden inside the MV King Sun. The operation began with intelligence information regarding the suspicious movement of a vessel from Thai waters towards Indonesia, which had been monitored since February 2026.
The intelligence team conducted intensive surveillance for three months on the anomalous movements of the MV King Sun. Suspicion peaked when the vessel entered Indonesian waters on 6 August 2026. KRI Kerambit-627, which was in the nearest position, immediately carried out an interception and deployed a joint team to inspect the cargo.
After the vessel was escorted to Batam, officers conducted sample testing using drug test kits. Repeated test results confirmed that the cargo tested positive for ketamine. In addition to seizing the evidence, officers also detained eight foreign crew members for further investigation.
BNN is currently still investigating the identity of the vessel’s owner as well as the network responsible for the shipment. Suyudi stressed that sea routes remain a vulnerable point for transnational narcotics smuggling that must be strictly guarded.
“Never assume that Indonesia’s sea lanes can be misused to distribute drugs. We will never compromise with those who seek to destroy,” Suyudi asserted. This seizure is claimed to be a demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting sovereignty and border areas from the threat of transnational crime.