Drug Trafficker Koh Erwin Arrested on Illegal Vessel Near Malaysian Waters
Drug Trafficker Koh Erwin Arrested on Illegal Vessel Near Malaysian Waters
The Polri Directorate General of Criminal Investigation stated that fugitive drug trafficker Koh Erwin alias Erwin Iskandar was arrested aboard an illegal vessel whilst nearly reaching Malaysian maritime territory.
Director of the Narcotics Crime Division at Polri’s Directorate General of Criminal Investigation, Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, stated that the arrest was carried out by a joint team from Subdirectorate IV and the NIC Task Force on Thursday, 26 February.
Eko Hadi said Erwin was detected by investigators preparing to cross into Malaysia via illegal maritime routes from Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra.
“Erwin was dispatched using a traditional vessel through illegal maritime routes heading to Malaysia,” he explained in a written statement on Friday, 27 February.
Upon learning of Erwin’s departure, Eko stated that field officers immediately pursued the suspect who was already en route to Malaysian waters.
He added that from identification efforts, it was established that Erwin’s position had nearly reached Malaysian maritime territory and was about to exit Indonesian legal jurisdiction.
“Through swift and measured action, the team successfully identified and prevented the success of his escape, ensuring Erwin was secured before fully entering Malaysian legal territory,” he said.
During Erwin’s arrest, Eko stated that investigators also secured two individuals who assisted his escape: Akhsan al Fadhli alias Genda and Rusdianto alias Kumis.
Based on their roles, Akhsan assisted Erwin to Tanjung Balai. Akhsan was arrested whilst attempting to follow Erwin.
Meanwhile, Rusdianto served as facilitator for Erwin’s crossing to Malaysia. Rusdianto was contacted by a figure known as “The Doctor” to prepare the vessel.
Eko stated that Rusdianto also played a role in contacting Rahmat, the vessel’s owner. He also paid crossing fees of Rp7 million to Rahmat.
“Based on this information, Erwin was then dispatched using a traditional vessel through illegal maritime routes to Malaysia,” he said.
Previously, Polri’s Directorate General of Criminal Investigation stated that fugitive drug trafficker Koh Erwin attempted to flee and resisted officers whilst being arrested in Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra.
Deputy Director of Subdirectorate IV, Narcotics Crime Division at Polri’s Directorate General of Criminal Investigation, Senior Commissioner Handik Zusen, stated that officers were forced to take measured action to subdue the suspect.
“There was an attempt to flee and there was resistance during the arrest,” he told journalists on Friday, 27 February.
Monitoring by CNN Indonesia at Polri’s Directorate General of Criminal Investigation showed Koh Erwin arrived at the location around 11:35 WIB. Koh Erwin, wearing a grey shirt, was seen being escorted by two officers as he was brought from the vehicle.
Subsequently, the drug trafficker who had made payments to former Bima City Police Chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro was immediately taken by officers for intensive interrogation.