Police Uncover 20-Hectare Cannabis Plantation Linked to Sumatra-Java Network
Police have uncovered a 20-hectare cannabis plantation belonging to a narcotics network operating between Sumatra and Java in the Batu Jungul area, Muara Pinang, Empat Lawang, South Sumatra.
Director of Narcotics Criminal Investigation at the South Sumatra Provincial Police, Kombes Yulian Perdana, stated that the plantation was exposed during a joint operation with the Empat Lawang Police Resort on Friday (24/4) last week.
Yulian explained that the plantation came to light after investigators arrested the main dealer with initials PD alias Pinhar in the Palembang area in February.
The dealer PD, he said, was responsible for the cross-regional cannabis distribution network extending to Java Island. During the arrest, officers seized cannabis that led to the main location in Batu Jungul Village.
“This operation has dismantled a 20-hectare cannabis plantation in Batu Jungul Village, Muara Pinang, Empat Lawang. It also secured 220 kilograms of dried cannabis ready for circulation,” he said in a written statement on Sunday (26/4).
Yulian said that hundreds of kilograms of dried cannabis had been packaged into 11 separate large sacks. In addition, investigators seized 4 motorcycles as well as land ownership documents and a map of the cannabis plantation.
He added that from the examination results, it was known that PD had controlled the Sumatra-Java cannabis network since 2024. PD’s network was said to manage the entire production chain from planting to distribution.
“Four other individuals involved in the network have now been designated as wanted lists (DPO) and are still being pursued,” he stated.
For their actions, the suspect PD is charged under Article 111 paragraph (1) of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, with the possibility of additional articles based on further investigation results.
Furthermore, Yulian assured that his side would continue to develop PD’s narcotics network. This includes tracing assets and fund flows from the illicit narcotics transactions.
“The entire chain has been successfully severed. The evidence of 220 kilograms of cannabis will not circulate, and the development of the network continues,” he explained.
“We are also continuing to hunt down other perpetrators and conducting social approaches to the community so that they do not get involved again in illegal activities,” he added.