South Sumatra Regional Police Chief Leads Narcotics Destruction, Reaffirms Anti-Trafficking Commitment

The South Sumatra (Sumsel) Regional Police destroyed seized narcotics evidence from operations conducted between November 2025 and January 2026. The South Sumatra Regional Police has declared total war against the trafficking and abuse of narcotics. “The South Sumatra Regional Police is committed to preventing and combating the abuse and illicit trafficking of narcotics,” stated the Chief of the South Sumatra Regional Police, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, on Tuesday (24 February 2026). The Chief of the South Sumatra Regional Police personally led the destruction of the narcotics evidence, consisting of 8,282 grams of methamphetamine and 770 ecstasy pills, at the Palembang City Police headquarters. This action serves as a symbol of the state’s determination to break the chain of narcotics distribution that is destroying the nation’s youth. The destruction of the narcotics evidence was also attended by the Director of Narcotics Investigation at the South Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Yulian Perdana; the Director of Community Relations at the South Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Hari Purnomo; and the Head of Public Relations at the South Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya. The investigation into this case has expanded significantly after investigators apprehended two foreign nationals from Malaysia who are suspected of being involved in the cross-border narcotics distribution network. In addition, authorities discovered a new method of narcotics trafficking in the form of cartridges containing THC and Etomidate. From the initial discovery of 17 cartridges, the investigation has expanded to 91 cartridges. This modern distribution pattern and the involvement of foreign nationals indicate the presence of an international network attempting to use South Sumatra as a transit route or market for narcotics. Inspector General Sandi emphasised that this threat cannot be taken lightly. Meanwhile, the Chief of the Palembang City Police, Commissioner Sonny Mahar Budi Adityawan, stated that they will not stop at the arrest of those involved on the ground. “This operation is part of a massive and continuous strategy to combat narcotics. We will pursue the case until we reach the main controllers of the network, including those outside the jurisdiction of Indonesia. There will be no tolerance for drug lords or couriers,” said Commissioner Sonny. It is estimated that the seizure of these narcotics has saved approximately 66,000 lives from potential narcotics abuse. “Based on the amount of evidence seized, we have saved 66,000 Indonesian citizens from narcotics abuse,” he said. He added that the Palembang City Police is strengthening cyber patrols, monitoring distribution routes, and collaborating with various agencies to narrow the space for the syndicate to operate. During the destruction of the evidence, three personnel from the Palembang City 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 of Palembang for their achievements and tangible work in preventing and combating the trafficking and abuse of narcotics. The destruction of this evidence sends a strong message that South Sumatra is not a region that can be used as a market or transit route for narcotics. The South Sumatra Regional Police ensures that the eradication efforts are carried out systematically, professionally, and continuously as part of the national commitment to protect the nation’s youth. The war against narcotics is not just a slogan, but a real strategy with firm and measurable actions. (jbr/maa)