Indonesia Seizes Over 1.2 Tonnes Of Illicit Drugs, Arrests 37 In February Crackdown

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, March 4 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) seized over 1.2 tonnes of illicit drugs and arrested 37 individuals in February as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking.

According to a statement released by BNN on Tuesday, the confiscated drugs included 201.29 kilogramme (kg) of methamphetamine, 894.33 kg of cannabis, and 115.21 kg of ecstasy pills, in addition to 16 cars, four motorcycles, and a traditional boat.

One of the largest operations of the month took place on February 20, when BNN officers in North Sumatra intercepted 433 kg of cannabis being smuggled from Aceh to Medan, arresting four suspects.

On February 1 in Aceh, BNN personnel intercepted a parcel containing one kg of methamphetamine hidden inside a vacuum cleaner, which was destined for Palu in Central Sulawesi.

This led to the arrest of two suspects, with a third remaining at large, BNN reported.

In addition to the drug busts, the agency has uncovered money laundering operations linked to drug crimes, seizing assets worth IDR 25 billion (about US$1.6 million) in four ongoing investigations since October 2024.

“BNN is currently investigating 12 money laundering cases involving 13 suspects, with an estimated total value of seized assets reaching IDR 100 billion (approximately US$6.41 million),” the agency added.

-- BERNAMA