South-West Papua Police Destroys 7.9 Kilogrammes of Cannabis from Papua New Guinea Trafficking Network Bust
Aimas – South-West Papua Police (Polda PBD) destroyed narcotic evidence comprising cannabis weighing 7.968 kilogrammes resulting from the uncovering of a narcotics trafficking case allegedly connected to a cross-border network between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Sorong in South-West Papua.
South-West Papua Police Chief Brigadier General Gatot Haribowo stated in Aimas, Sorong Regency, on Monday that the destruction of the evidence was part of law enforcement proceedings and reflected the police’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking in the South-West Papua region.
“The evidence destroyed consisted of cannabis weighing almost eight kilogrammes, which resulted from an investigation by the Narcotics Investigation Directorate of South-West Papua Police,” he said.
He explained that the cannabis evidence was destroyed through incineration and dissolution in accordance with applicable procedures and was witnessed by numerous officials present.
According to him, the evidence resulted from a case uncovered on 15–16 February 2026 after police received information concerning cannabis trafficking activity in the Sorong area.
“Based on the weighing results, the cannabis we seized weighed almost eight kilogrammes. This quantity is substantial for distribution in the Sorong region and surrounding areas,” he said.
Based on investigation findings, he stated that a suspect identified as RM, residing in West Sorong, allegedly had access to networks extending to Jayapura and Papua New Guinea.
RM reportedly travelled to Jayapura to conduct transactions, then transported the cannabis using a passenger vessel to Manokwari and subsequently to Sorong.
Police officers who had been conducting surveillance then apprehended the suspect upon arrival at Sorong Port.
From the suspect’s possession, police seized one rucksack and one shoulder bag containing four cannabis packages in large clear plastic wrapping. Additionally, two mobile telephones were secured as evidence.
“Examination results also showed that the suspect tested positive for cannabis use,” he said.
Gatot stated that police were also currently pursuing another suspect with the initials J, allegedly involved in the network.
For his actions, the suspect was charged under Article 114(2), subsidiarily Article 111(2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, carrying a penalty of life imprisonment or a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years, with the possibility of capital punishment.
The Police Chief emphasised that his force would continue developing the case to uncover cross-regional and cross-border narcotics trafficking networks in the South-West Papua region.
“South-West Papua Police remain committed to combating narcotics trafficking and urge the public to join together in fighting drug abuse,” he said.