North Sumatra Police probe 30kg crystal meth network in Asahan

The investigation was triggered by intelligence regarding crystal meth shipments via sea routes to North Sumatra. The North Sumatra Police Narcotics Directorate is probing a 30kg crystal meth trafficking network in Asahan Regency’s waters. ‘The network above is still being developed,’ said Police Commissioner Andy Arisandi in Medan on Friday. Andy stated that his unit is tightening surveillance on sea routes frequently used by international drug networks to smuggle narcotics into North Sumatra. The arrest was made jointly with Customs officials on Monday (18 May) when the suspects were aboard a sampan. ‘The operation was triggered by intelligence regarding crystal meth shipments via sea routes to North Sumatra,’ he said. Officers stopped and inspected the sampan, finding two sacks containing dozens of packages suspected to be crystal meth. Authorities discovered 16 packages weighing 16kg and 14 packages weighing 14kg of crystal meth, totalling 30kg seized. ‘The evidence will be handed over to another party under the orders of an individual identified only as ’M’, who is currently under investigation,’ he said. He added that the operation has saved thousands from the threat of drug abuse. In addition to seizing the drugs, officers also confiscated a silver-coloured sampan without a name or registration number used by the suspects to transport the narcotics. The suspects and all seized evidence are now held at the North Sumatra Police Narcotics Directorate headquarters for further legal proceedings.