Customs DG Reveals How X-Ray Uncovered 3.37-Tonne Cannabis Warehouse

The smuggling of 3.37 tonnes of narcotics in a warehouse area in Gresik Regency, East Java, was uncovered following an inspection by Customs and Excise. The smuggled drugs were identified as cannabis buds linked to a transnational network. Director General of Customs and Excise, Djaka Budhi Utama, stated the case came to light after his team discovered suspicious imported goods at Tanjung Priok Port. The team conducted an X-ray examination. “This was uncovered when an anomaly was detected at Tanjung Priok Port during an X-ray inspection, revealing suspicious goods or commodities,” Djaka said during a press conference in Gresik, East Java, on Friday (3/7/2026). Customs immediately checked the goods until the narcotics were found. Customs then coordinated closely with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) to take action using a controlled delivery method. “We checked and tested the suspected goods. After determining they were prohibited items, we coordinated closely with the BNN to conduct a controlled delivery all the way to Gresik,” he said. “If we had not done that, or had only made an arrest at the port, we certainly would not have achieved anything,” Djaka added. The joint operation involved Customs and BNN personnel from Tanjung Priok Port to the warehouse in Gresik, East Java. Through this operation, the smuggling network was dismantled and 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds, transported in four containers, were secured as evidence. “We decided on close coordination, followed by several members from BNN and Customs, so we managed to reach the location and uncover approximately 3.37 tonnes,” he stated. Djaka revealed the drug network operated through Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and Thailand. “This is an international network involving networks from Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and through Thailand,” he said. During the operation, officers secured four trucks along with the narcotics evidence stored in 500 suitcases and dozens of latex boxes. Each of the 500 suitcases contained six packages of narcotics weighing approximately 535 grammes per package, bringing the total gross weight to around 1.605 tonnes. Meanwhile, the narcotics packed in 80 bales of latex boxes totalled approximately 3,200 packages. Among the 12 suspects arrested were a transport service entrepreneur, a company manager, truck drivers, a port official, and a Chinese foreign national suspected of owning the warehouse in Gresik.