South Sumatra Police Chief Leads Destruction of 8.2 Kg of Crystal Meth to Prevent Illegal Drug Trafficking
The South Sumatra Police Chief (Kapolda Sumsel), Irjen Sandi Nugroho, directly led the destruction of 8,282 grams of crystal meth and 770 ecstasy pills at the Palembang Police Headquarters. This destruction serves as evidence of the South Sumatra Police’s commitment to preventing illegal drug trafficking.
The event was also attended by the Head of the Narcotics Directorate of the South Sumatra Police, Kombes Yulian Perdana, the Head of Community Development of the South Sumatra Police, Kombes Hari Purnomo, and the Head of Public Relations of the South Sumatra Police, Kombes Nandang Mu’min Wijaya.
The discovery of the drug evidence was the result of an expanded investigation after investigators apprehended two foreign nationals from Malaysia suspected of being involved in a cross-border drug distribution network.
In addition, authorities discovered a new method of drug trafficking in the form of cartridges containing THC and Etomidate. From an initial finding of 17 cartridges, the case has expanded to 91 cartridges.
The modern distribution patterns and the involvement of foreign nationals indicate the presence of an international network attempting to use South Sumatra as a transit route and market for drugs.
“The South Sumatra Police is committed to preventing and combating drug abuse and illegal trafficking,” Sandi told reporters on Thursday (February 26, 2026).
The Chief of the Palembang Police, Kombes Pol Sonny Mahar Budi Adityawan, affirmed that they will not stop at the arrest of street-level perpetrators. The investigation into this case will continue to be expanded.
“This disclosure is part of a massive and sustainable drug eradication strategy. We will develop the case to the main controllers of the network, including those outside the jurisdiction of Indonesia. There is no tolerance for drug lords or couriers,” he said.
The success of this operation is estimated to have saved approximately 66,000 lives from potential drug abuse.
“If calculated from the amount of evidence seized, then we have saved 66,000 Indonesian citizens from drug abuse,” said the Chief of the Palembang Police.
He added that the Palembang Police has strengthened cyber patrols, monitoring of distribution routes, and cross-agency collaboration to narrow the syndicate’s room for maneuver.
At the event for the destruction of the evidence, three personnel from the Palembang Police, namely the Head of the Narcotics Unit, the Head of the Narcotics Unit’s Operations Section, and the Head of the Narcotics Unit, received awards from the Mayor for their achievements and real work in preventing and combating drug trafficking and abuse.
The destruction of the evidence sends a strong message that South Sumatra is not a region that can be used as a market or transit route for drugs.
The South Sumatra Police ensures that eradication efforts are carried out systematically, professionally, and sustainably as part of a national commitment to protecting the nation’s generation. The war against drugs is not just a slogan, but a real strategy with firm and measurable actions.