Indonesian Navy Foils Smuggling of 1.3 Tonnes of Ketamine from Tanzania-Flagged Vessel in Riau Islands

The Indonesian Navy, together with a joint team, has foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,298 kilograms, or nearly 1.3 tonnes, of ketamine from the foreign vessel MV King Sun in the waters north of Tanjung Berakit, Riau Islands. Commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command, Vice Admiral TNI Denih Hendrata, stated that the evidence was found in 65 sacks carried by the MV King Sun. Based on the estimated price of ketamine, the value of the illegal goods reaches approximately Rp2.1 trillion. “The joint team secured the ship’s cargo, 1,298 kilograms of ketamine, almost 1.3 tonnes,” Denih said during a press conference in Batam on Sunday. According to him, this success is the result of synergy between the Indonesian Navy, specifically Fleet Command I, along with the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC). “The highest appreciation goes to all parties who were vigilant, responsive, and synergised well in this enforcement. This achievement is a tangible manifestation of close collaboration in thwarting a large-scale drug smuggling attempt,” he said. Denih stated that the possibility of other cargo on the ship remains open, and a thorough inspection will be conducted. “Further investigation into the ship, cargo, and documents is ongoing. There could be additional cargo, possibly other types of goods,” he said. Meanwhile, Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto explained that the discovery began with intelligence information that had been monitoring the MV King Sun’s activities for about three months. “Intelligence on the MV King Sun was monitored for three months. There was an anomaly in its movement that raised suspicion. When it entered Indonesian waters, KRI Kerambit approached and deployed a team to inspect the ship and its cargo on Thursday, 6 August 2026,” Suyudi said. The ship is known to be Tanzanian-flagged and carried eight crew members, all of whom are foreign nationals. The intended destination, the ship’s owner, and the party responsible for the cargo are still under investigation. Suyudi explained that ketamine is a drug used medically as an anaesthetic.