North Sumatra Police and Malaysia Strengthen Communication to Curb Drug Trafficking

Medan (ANTARA) — The North Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumut) and the Malaysian Government are strengthening communication channels to curb the flow of narcotics entering Indonesian territorial waters.

“One of the measures we have taken is holding a focus group discussion with the Malaysian Consulate and law enforcement authorities there,” said North Sumatra Police Narcotics Directorate Chief Commissioner Andy Arisandi in Medan on Tuesday.

Andy said the forum served as a platform for discussion on stemming the influx of narcotics into Indonesia, particularly into North Sumatra via maritime routes.

Furthermore, his office provided input on communication patterns, given that drug trafficking controllers are known to use Malaysian mobile phone numbers.

“During the discussion, we requested the Malaysian Government’s assistance in identifying drug controllers operating from their territory,” he said.

“From the discussion, the Malaysian Government expressed support for efforts to shut down drug trafficking routes to prevent narcotics from entering the North Sumatra region,” he added.

North Sumatra Police reported that total narcotics crime seizures from January to 22 February 2026 included 179.95 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, 155.40 kilogrammes of cannabis, 39 cannabis plants, and 59,168.50 ecstasy pills.

“Some of the evidence seized was uncovered in maritime areas, with a portion originating from Malaysia,” he said.