Joint task force thwarts 2.8kg cannabis shipment at SIM Airport

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) – A joint task force of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and cargo security personnel at Sultan Iskandar Muda (SIM) Airport in Aceh Besar Regency thwarted a shipment of 2.8 kilograms of cannabis via a courier service to West Java.

Commander of SIM Air Base, Colonel Pnb Suryo Anggoro, stated on Monday in Aceh Besar that the contraband was destined for Bandung, West Java, via a commercial flight to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Banten.

During the operation, officers seized a package containing 2,800 grams (2.8kg) of dried cannabis. The package was wrapped in a black casing lined with aluminium foil, he said.

He added that the discovery began when cargo warehouse staff at Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport inspected the shipment via X-ray. During the inspection, officers became suspicious of a package destined for Bandung via a commercial flight to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Banten.

After further inspection, a package containing cannabis was found. The narcotics were subsequently handed over to Banda Aceh City Police for further investigation,” Suryo Anggoro said.

He emphasised the commitment of SIM Air Base and all airport security elements to strengthen efforts against drug trafficking and ensure the international airport remains a safe, orderly, and drug-free zone.

“The discovery of the cannabis shipment was a result of synergy and vigilance by SIM Air Base personnel, airport security officers, and relevant agencies in maintaining flight safety and security at SIM International Airport,” Suryo Anggoro said.

Meanwhile, Banda Aceh City Police Chief Kombes Pol Andi Kirana said his office would immediately investigate the cannabis shipment through the courier company.

“We will promptly review surveillance footage to identify the sender and uncover the syndicate responsible,” Andi Kirana said.