North Sumatra Police Intensify Crackdown on Drug Trafficking Networks

A large display of crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, ecstasy pills, and ketamine filled a room at the North Sumatra Regional Police headquarters, underscoring the persistent threat of drug trafficking in the province. Throughout the first half of 2026, the police uncovered 3,865 drug cases, leading to the arrest of 4,628 suspects and the seizure of over 5.3 tonnes of illicit substances and 93,990 millilitres of liquid narcotics.

North Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Whisnu Hermawan Februanto stated that combating narcotics remains a top priority. The volume of seized crystal methamphetamine has shown a steady increase, from 1.5 tonnes in 2024 to 1.7 tonnes in 2025, with 948 kilograms already confiscated by mid-2026. He emphasised that the force is committed to tackling the issue through both persuasive approaches and strict law enforcement actions to sever the drug supply chain.