Coastal drug network in Banjarmasin worth billions of rupiah dismantled

Banjarmasin (ANTARA) - The Maritime and Air Police Unit (Polairud) of the Banjarmasin Police Resort, South Kalimantan Regional Police, has dismantled a methamphetamine and ecstasy drug trafficking network in the coastal area, with the estimated value of the seized evidence reaching billions of rupiah.

Acting Head of the Banjarmasin Police Resort, Senior Commissioner Timbul Rein Krisman Siregar, stated in Banjarmasin on Tuesday that the bust resulted from intensive investigations by officers through undercover operations and layered developments up to the main supplier.

“This case was successfully uncovered through a series of investigations and developments up to the main perpetrator,” he said, accompanied by the Head of Polairud at the Banjarmasin Police Resort, Commissioner Dading Kalbu Adie.

He mentioned that the seized evidence consisted of methamphetamine totalling more than 2 kilograms and 1,670 ecstasy pills, which, if monetised, are worth billions of rupiah.

“Its economic value is very significant and has the potential to destroy thousands of lives if circulated in society,” he said.

Officers then conducted further developments leading to the suspect with initials AD, who was arrested on 17 March 2026 in the Banjarmasin Tengah area. From suspect AD, officers found dozens of methamphetamine packages disguised in sweet wrappers to deceive officers.

In addition, officers also found 1,670 ecstasy pills with a specific logo, suspected to be ready for distribution in the Banjarmasin area and surroundings.

“This bust is proof of our seriousness in eradicating drug trafficking, especially along waterways that are vulnerable to exploitation by perpetrators,” he said.

For their actions, the suspects are charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, with a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment up to life, and they are now undergoing further legal proceedings.