South Sumatra Police Arrest Two in Interprovincial Drug Network

The Directorate of Narcotics Investigation of the South Sumatra Regional Police, together with the Customs and Excise Regional Office for Eastern Sumatra, have arrested two individuals suspected of involvement in an interprovincial narcotics distribution network in Palembang.

Director of Narcotics Investigation at the South Sumatra Police, Senior Commissioner Yulian Perdana, stated during a press conference in Palembang on Friday that the two suspects are HJ (28), a university student, and OTA (39), a housewife. Officers seized 11,443 ecstasy pills and 1,399.47 grammes of methamphetamine during the arrest on 11 June 2026.

The case was uncovered through a joint operation with Customs following intelligence reports regarding the suspected shipment of narcotics via courier services. He explained that both suspects are part of a distribution network controlled by a fugitive identified as AG, a repeat drug offender.

The network used courier services to send narcotics from outside the region to Palembang. The illicit goods were concealed inside three speakers and a small safe before being dispatched as logistics packages. Officers then intercepted the package upon its arrival at a courier office in the Seberang Ulu I area of Palembang. Further investigation led police to discover thousands of ecstasy pills ready for distribution at the suspects’ residences.

In addition to the narcotics, authorities seized cash amounting to Rp100 million and a bank account balance of Rp100 million, believed to be connected to the drug trafficking activities. The police noted that drug networks frequently exploit various distribution routes, including waterways and border areas, necessitating continuous surveillance and information exchange.

Agus, representing Customs, remarked, “Narcotics crime is transnational, involving the movement of goods, people, transportation, and financial transactions. Therefore, inter-agency synergy is crucial.” He added that Customs will continue to strengthen intelligence operations and cooperation with law enforcement agencies to curb the flow of narcotics entering Indonesia through various distribution channels.

For their actions, both suspects have been charged under Article 114, paragraph (2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, which carries severe criminal penalties.