Breaking the Narcotics Chain: Customs Seizes 1.4 kg of Crystal Meth at Tanjungpinang Airport
Tanjungpinang Customs and the Riau Islands Regional Customs Office, working alongside the Tanjungpinang City Police, the National Narcotics Agency (BNNK), and Airport Aviation Security at Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport, dismantled a crystal methamphetamine smuggling attempt on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
The Head of the Tanjungpinang Customs Office, Joko Pri Sukmono Dwi Widodo, stated that the interception occurred during the inspection of passenger luggage, which was found to contain methamphetamine. The drugs were wrapped in five plastic bags and concealed within the luggage. The attempt was detected thanks to the vigilance of officers and X-ray scanning.
“At this time, the evidence has been handed over to the Tanjungpinang City Police for the investigation process and further development to uncover the narcotics distribution network involved,” he stated in a briefing on Monday (18/5/2026).
Joko noted that this successful enforcement action reaffirms the commitment of Tanjungpinang Customs to eradicate the illegal drug trade within the Riau Islands region. Throughout 2026, a total of eight enforcement actions have been recorded, with total evidence amounting to more than 10 kg of narcotics, psychotropics, and precursors (NPP).
This trend began in February with the seizure of 4.9 kg across three cases, continuing through the March to April period with a total of 3.7 kg from four enforcement actions. In addition to securing methamphetamine, officers also seized other evidence, including etomidate and 1,000 ecstasy (MDMA) pills.
From the total evidence secured, it is estimated that tens of thousands of potential drug abuses have been prevented, equivalent to saving more than 81,000 lives from the threat of narcotics. “Customs continues to invite the public to play an active role by providing information if they encounter suspicious activities, both in port and airport areas, to protect the nation and the state from the circulation of narcotics,” Joko concluded.