West Sumatra Police Thwart Drug Smuggling Attempts at Airport

West Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumbar), together with related agencies, have thwarted drug smuggling via Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) in the province four times since early March until 7 April 2025.

This was stated directly by the Head of Polda Sumbar, Inspector General of Police Gatot Tri Suryanta, during a press conference in the yard of the Sumbar Police Headquarters on Wednesday, accompanied by the Director of Narcotics Criminal Investigation and other officials.

“Since early March until 7 April 2025, we have uncovered eight prominent cases, four of which are drug smuggling attempts via the airport,” said Gatot in Padang.

The first uncovering was carried out by the police together with related agencies on Sunday (8/3), at the airport terminal at two different times.

The initial evidence seized amounted to 1.97 kilograms, while in the second uncovering, the seized evidence reached 1.95 kilograms.

The perpetrators secured from both cases numbered two people, and they have now been designated by police investigators as suspects in drug distribution.

Gatot continued that the next uncovering was carried out on Monday (9/3) with 5.93 kilograms of methamphetamine, and the number of suspects secured was two people.

“The modus operandi of drug distribution continues to evolve, even utilising commercial flights; this must be handled properly to prevent recurrence,” he explained.

He appreciated the good synergy between airport authorities and related agencies that responded quickly, so the prohibited goods could be detected before they could be sent.

“Supervision and monitoring at the airport will be tightened so there are no gaps that can be exploited by perpetrators or drug distribution syndicates, whether incoming or outgoing,” he said.

The press conference was also attended by representatives from the provincial government, the Minangkabau Traditional Council Assembly (LKAAM) of Sumbar, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Prosecutor’s Office, and others.