South Sumatra Police Destroy Rp 7.9 Billion in Narcotics Evidence
The South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) have reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating the illicit drug trade by destroying evidence valued at Rp 7,969,804,000, seized from 20 narcotics cases during July 2026. The destruction of the evidence is seen as a tangible effort to save approximately 83,926 lives from the threat of drug abuse, while also serving as a form of transparency in law enforcement.
The destruction ceremony was held at the South Sumatra Police’s Narcotics Directorate headquarters in Palembang. The event was led by the Head of the Investigation Supervisory Division of the South Sumatra Police Narcotics Directorate, AKBP HM Syeh Kopek, and attended by representatives from the Propam, Dittahti, Public Relations, and Forensic Laboratory divisions, as well as the prosecutor’s office and other relevant agencies.
The destroyed evidence included 4,041.85 grams of methamphetamine, 17,981 ecstasy pills, and 727.8 millilitres of liquid etomidate. A small portion of the evidence had previously been set aside for laboratory forensic examination and court proceedings, in accordance with legal requirements.
AKBP HM Syeh Kopek stated that the destruction of the evidence was a demonstration of the investigators’ accountability and the seriousness of the police’s efforts to break the chain of narcotics distribution. “Every piece of evidence destroyed is the result of the investigators’ hard work in uncovering narcotics trafficking networks. This is a form of transparency in law enforcement and our commitment to protecting the public from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking,” he said in a written statement on Wednesday (22/7/2026).
The suspects, totalling 27 individuals, were arrested in various areas including Palembang, Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, Ogan Komering Ilir, Ogan Ilir, and Muara Enim. They are being charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, which carries penalties of the death sentence, life imprisonment, or a minimum of six years and a maximum of twenty years in prison. Investigators are also applying provisions from Article 609 paragraph (2) letter a of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, depending on the specifics of each case.
Head of Public Relations for the South Sumatra Police, Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, stressed that combating narcotics remains a top priority for the National Police to safeguard human resources and support national development. “Illicit drug trafficking is an extraordinary crime that threatens the future of our nation’s generation. The South Sumatra Police will continue to act firmly against all perpetrators without exception, while strengthening synergy with all elements of society in prevention and eradication efforts,” he stated, urging the public to report any suspected drug abuse or trafficking in their neighbourhoods.