Treasurer of 'Indonesia's Escobar' Drug Lord Fredy Pratama Arrested in Malaysia

The Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police has arrested Frans Antoni, the treasurer of international drug kingpin Fredy Pratama, in Malaysia. The arrest was confirmed by Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Drug Crimes at Bareskrim. Frans was apprehended alongside his wife by investigators from Sub-Directorate IV of the Drug Crimes Directorate.

Based on observations by CNNIndonesia.com, the pair arrived at the Bareskrim building at approximately 3:35 p.m. Western Indonesian Time. They remained silent and did not answer any questions posed by journalists.

“Yes, it is true that Frans Antoni has been arrested,” Eko told reporters on Friday (19/6).

Frans’ arrest marks a new chapter in the pursuit of Fredy Pratama’s network. The international drug lord has been nicknamed ‘Indonesia’s Pablo Escobar’. Fredy remains a fugitive and is suspected to be hiding abroad. He is said to frequently move locations, including within Thailand and Cambodia.

The figure known as Fredy, alias Miming, alias Cassanova, is believed to wield significant influence in the Southeast Asian region, particularly in the golden triangle, which is known as one of the world’s largest drug trading hubs.

Previously, Bareskrim had seized a total of 10.2 tonnes of methamphetamine affiliated with Fredy Pratama’s network in Indonesia during the 2020-2023 period. Fredy is considered one of the largest narcotics distribution syndicates in Indonesia. Analysis by the Drug Crimes Directorate found that the majority of narcotics in Indonesia are affiliated with Fredy’s network. Each month, Fredy’s syndicate is alleged to smuggle between 100 kg and 500 kg of methamphetamine and ecstasy into Indonesia, using a modus operandi of disguising the drugs in tea packaging.