Palembang Mayor Praises Police for Seizing 10kg Methamphetamine
Mayor of Palembang Ratu Dewa has praised and awarded the Head of the Narcotics Unit of the Palembang Metropolitan Police, Inspector Faisal P. Manalu, for his dedication and success in thwarting the distribution of 10 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The award was presented by the Mayor during the 2026 Pancasila Birth Anniversary ceremony held at the Mayor’s Office courtyard on Monday.
Ratu Dewa emphasised that high appreciation is due to the Palembang Metropolitan Police Narcotics Unit for successfully apprehending two suspects carrying the illicit substances.
“These concrete police actions are a tangible effort to protect Palembang residents from the moral degradation caused by drug abuse,” she said.
She added that the resolution of this major case demonstrates the police’s commitment and seriousness, while also serving as a key moment to strengthen collaboration between local government and law enforcement.
The ceremony, led by the Mayor of Palembang, was attended by the Palembang Metropolitan Police Chief, Police Commissioner Sonny Mahar Budi Aditiyawan, members of the regional leadership forum (Forkopimda), military and police officials, local government officials, and community leaders.
On the same occasion, she urged all community members to use the Pancasila Day occasion to strengthen unity and national spirit, and collectively safeguard the city from the dangers of illicit drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Sonny Mahar Budi Aditiyawan expressed gratitude for the Mayor’s attention and recognition.
He hopes this recognition from the city’s top official will motivate all officers to further enhance their performance and service to the public.
Previously, two drug traffickers in Palembang, South Sumatra, identified as A (44) and M (43), were arrested by police. Officers seized 10.3kg of methamphetamine hidden in 10 large packets of Chinese tea packaging on Wednesday, May 6, 2025.
The investigation began when officers received information about a large-scale methamphetamine transaction. Acting on this tip, police went undercover and pretended to order drugs from suspect A.
Following up on the information, police moved to a second location at a house in Yuka Residence Complex, M.R. Sudarman Garda Subrata Street, Sako District, Palembang.
At the site, officers discovered nine additional packages of methamphetamine hidden beneath the second-floor flooring.
Additionally, a woman identified as M (43) was apprehended at the drug storage location.
The total seized evidence comprised eight packages of ‘Guan Yin Wang’ Chinese tea and two of ‘Qing Shan’ brand, all containing methamphetamine with a gross weight of 10,318 grams, or over 10.3kg.