Customs Foils Smuggling of 3,336 Grams of 'Happy Water' Narcotics at Soekarno-Hatta

The Soekarno-Hatta Customs and Excise Main Service Office has successfully uncovered an attempt to smuggle 3,336 grams of narcotics and psychotropic substances known as ‘happy water’. The drugs were hidden inside instant drink packages from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office, explained that officers at Terminal 3 Arrivals became suspicious of the luggage belonging to two Chinese nationals, identified by the initials LZ, 20, and SZ, 30. The pair arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport from Kuala Lumpur on a TransNusa flight. Customs suspects the two individuals acted as couriers, employing a false concealment method by hiding the narcotics inside various brands of instant drink packages. Evidence seized included psychotropic substances classified as Category IV nimetazepam, as well as Category I narcotics methamphetamine and ketamine. Authorities revealed the smuggling operation involved a structured network designed to facilitate the movement of illicit goods and evade customs officers. There is also suspicion of involvement by an airline ground handler, identified by the initials RS, who acted as a protocol officer at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, and a premium taxi driver, identified as EA, who was tasked with transporting the two passengers. The suspects are charged under Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.