Sumatra-Java-Bali Drug Syndicate Dismantled, Five Suspects Arrested

The Bekasi Metro Police have uncovered a narcotics network operating across Sumatra, Java, and Bali. Five suspects were arrested and 2.1 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine were seized.

Bekasi Metro Police Chief, Commissioner Kusumo Wahyu Bintoro, explained that the investigation began with the arrest of a suspect with the initials IR at an apartment in the Pekayon Jaya area, Bekasi City, West Java. Officers found 5.25 grams of crystal methamphetamine in his possession.

‘From suspect IR, we then conducted further investigation and managed to arrest another suspect with the initials VST in the South Bogor area. From this suspect, we found 2,065 grams, or approximately 2.06 kilograms, of crystal methamphetamine,’ Commissioner Kusumo said on Tuesday (23/6/2026).

Investigators expanded the case and arrested three more suspects, MA, ASA, and MJP, in the East Denpasar area, Bali. Police seized an additional 101 grams of crystal methamphetamine from the trio.

Preliminary investigation results indicate that the crystal methamphetamine seized from suspect VST was intended to be sent to Bali for distribution. Meanwhile, the three suspects arrested in Bali are believed to have acted as distributors on the island.

‘Suspect IR operated in the Bekasi area. However, he also served orders from other regions. The other suspects are part of the same network,’ he explained.

Based on the investigation, police suspect the network has a distribution route originating from Sumatra, which is then circulated in Bekasi and partly shipped to Bali.

‘This is a cross-regional narcotics distribution network. The goods come from Sumatra, enter Bekasi, and are then partly distributed to Bali,’ he stated.

In carrying out their operations, the perpetrators used public transportation to deliver the illicit goods. Meanwhile, transactions and communications were conducted via Instagram social media to avoid detection by authorities.

For their actions, all suspects have been charged under Article 114 of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics. Suspects VST, MA, ASA, and MJP are charged under Article 114 Paragraph (2), while IR is charged under Article 114, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison.

‘These five suspects are not users, but rather active dealers distributing narcotics. We are continuing to investigate and develop the case to uncover the main supplier and the larger network,’ he said.

Police emphasised that combating narcotics distribution also means saving the public from the dangers of drug abuse, which continues to threaten the younger generation. This seizure is estimated to have saved approximately 10,900 to 17,500 young lives.