Tanah Laut Police Uncover 14 Methamphetamine Cases During Ramadhan Period

Banjarmasin — Tanah Laut Police (Polres Tala), part of the South Kalimantan Regional Police (Polda Kalsel), successfully uncovered 14 methamphetamine cases during the Ramadhan period from 1 February to 7 March 2026.

The efforts were realised through a series of case investigations followed by destruction of evidence as part of a strategy to suppress both the circulation and demand for narcotics in the local jurisdiction.

Tanah Laut Police Chief AKBP Ricky Boy Siallagan stated in Pelaihari, Tanah Laut Regency on Wednesday that the case investigations were not merely focused on case numbers, but also on the social impact successfully prevented.

“These investigations are not merely figures, but a tangible form of saving the community from the dangers of narcotics,” he said.

He explained that during the period from 1 February to 7 March 2026, the Tanah Laut Police Narcotics Investigation Unit successfully uncovered 14 cases with a total of 20 suspects. Of these, 13 cases were handled by Tanah Laut Police and one case by Kintap Police Station, with the composition of suspects consisting of 19 men and one woman.

Seized evidence included methamphetamine weighing 656.59 grammes, 12 million rupiahs in cash, one vehicle unit, and eight motorcycle units allegedly connected to illicit drug trafficking activities.

Head of Tanah Laut Police Narcotics Investigation Unit Iptu M Firmansyah Baso emphasised that enforcement actions during Ramadhan were focused on minimising the impact of drug abuse among the community.

“During Ramadhan, we uncovered seven cases with 10 suspects,” he said.

He revealed that from these investigations, the amount of methamphetamine secured reached 594.84 grammes with considerable abuse potential.

“With an assumption of 0.20 grammes per person, approximately 16,250 lives can be saved from methamphetamine abuse,” he said.

Beyond the social impact, the economic value of the confiscated evidence reaching approximately 820 million rupiahs demonstrates the substantial potential loss prevented, whilst the destruction of 648.77 grammes of methamphetamine affirms police commitment to ensuring evidence does not return to circulation in the community.