Police Raid Meth Lab in Aceh, Seize 1.2 Tonnes of Narcotics
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Indonesian police, together with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and Customs, have seized nearly 1.2 gross tonnes of narcotics after uncovering a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Pidie regency, Aceh.
The laboratory is suspected to be part of an international narcotics network. The operation has been described as the largest seizure of evidence from a clandestine laboratory in Indonesia.
The investigation began with intelligence information and surveillance of the movements of a network and logistics believed to have been used to produce methamphetamine.
The raids were carried out simultaneously on 21 October 2026 at five locations across Pidie, Bireuen and North Aceh regencies, as well as Lhokseumawe city.
At a shop-house in East Mutiara district, Pidie, officers found a clandestine laboratory believed to have been used to process meth oil, or liquid methamphetamine, into crystal methamphetamine. They seized 20 drums of meth oil, about 500kg of crystal methamphetamine and various production equipment.
In total, the operation yielded nearly 1.2 gross tonnes of evidence. Eleven people were detained: two foreign nationals and nine Indonesian citizens.
Investigators are still examining the role of each suspect and possible links to an international narcotics network.
Preliminary findings suggest the liquid narcotics may have travelled from elsewhere in South-east Asia before arriving in Aceh. The joint team monitored several people suspected of involvement before identifying the site used as the clandestine laboratory.
National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto praised cooperation between the agencies and support from the public in the operation.
“Congratulations on this operation, which has helped save the nation’s children. Our police and the public have succeeded in uncovering a large-scale narcotics network,” Suyudi said in Pidie, as quoted on Saturday (24 October 2026).
He urged the public, particularly owners of shop-houses, boarding houses and rental homes, to verify tenants’ identities and ensure that their activities can be accounted for.
“I urge all members of the public, particularly owners of shop-houses, boarding houses and rental homes, to be selective and to make sure tenants’ identities and activities can be accounted for. Do not be apathetic about your surroundings,” he stressed.
Investigators are continuing to probe the network, pursue several people on the wanted list and trace suspected flows of criminal proceeds. The National Police and relevant agencies will also coordinate with overseas authorities to establish the network’s links.
The National Police Chief also praised personnel from the police, BNN, Customs and China’s National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) who took part in the operation. Cross-border cooperation was described as vital to disrupting narcotics supply chains and preventing Indonesia from being used as a production site or distribution route by international networks.