Officials report Soekarno-Hatta major drug trafficking route
Officials reported that out of 800 narcotics smuggling cases uncovered nationwide by joint teams from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise and law enforcement agencies, 249 cases occurred at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
Director of Narcotics Interdiction at Customs and Excise Syarif Hidayat said on Thursday that the figure underscores the airport’s role as a key entry point for goods and passengers arriving from abroad.
He urged airport officials, operators, and the public to remain vigilant and strengthen enforcement efforts against smuggling activities at the country’s busiest international gateway.
Syarif said Soekarno-Hatta consistently recorded the highest number of cases because it serves as the primary entry point for international cargo and travelers into Indonesia.
He added that overall narcotics cases nationwide show an upward trend, with authorities intercepting an average of two to three smuggling attempts daily across various regions.
Authorities said total drug seizures reached 4.2 tons, with the volume estimated to have protected around 6.8 million people from potential drug dependency.
Syarif said if the drugs had entered circulation, millions of Indonesians could have been affected, underscoring the scale of the threat and the need for continued domestic and international cooperation.
He said cannabis dominated seizures, totaling 2.1 tons, largely sourced from North Sumatra and Aceh regions within Indonesia.
Syarif also noted a growing trend of cannabis shipments arriving from abroad, reportedly intended for foreign nationals residing in Bali.
He said methamphetamine remained the largest foreign-sourced drug seized, totaling 1.05 tons, followed by 85,000 MDMA pills, mostly linked to European networks.
Soekarno-Hatta Police Chief Commissioner Wisnu Wardana said authorities are committed to intensifying enforcement, as the airport has been designated a red zone for drug smuggling activities.
He said suspects face multiple charges carrying penalties of up to life imprisonment or the death sentence, depending on the severity of the case.
Wisnu said police are strengthening coordination with Customs, airport security (Avsec), and airline operators to improve surveillance and detection.
“We will enforce the law strictly and consistently. There will be no tolerance for drug traffickers or abusers,” Wisnu said.
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Translator: Azmi SM, Rahmad Nasution