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February 25, 2025 | 10:50 am
TEMPO.CO, Medan - The North Sumatra Police and its forces have dismantled an international drug trafficking network smuggling methamphetamine and ecstasy from Malaysia into various areas of North Sumatra.
In addition to apprehending couriers and dealers, the police engaged in a gunfight with a drug kingpin suspected of being the mastermind behind the narcotics distribution in Asahan District.
North Sumatra Police Chief, Irjen Whisnu Hermawan Februanto, announced the uncovering of 25 drug cases between December 27, 2024, and February 23, 2025. Authorities arrested 37 suspects, seizing 97.08 kilograms of methamphetamine, 38 grams of marijuana, and 2,180 ecstasy pills.
Whisnu emphasized that narcotics are an extraordinary crime and reaffirmed their commitment to waging war against drugs. "I will take decisive action against drug offenders," said Whisnu during a press conference at the North Sumatra Police Headquarters on Monday, February 24, 2025.
The police chief also highlighted the involvement of firearms in drug crimes. He stated that some offenders carry weapons to protect their illegal businesses and vowed that there would be no place for drugs in North Sumatra.
"We will continue to hunt down other perpetrators, including active networks. This is our commitment to saving the younger generation from the destruction caused by drugs," he added.
Director of Narcotics Investigation at North Sumatra Police, Kombes Yemi Mandagi, revealed that the narcotics seized were from several international networks operating out of Malaysia, entering Indonesia via sea and land routes.
"All of it is from Malaysia, entering through Tanjungleidong waters, Tanjungbalai waters, Asahan waters, up to Batubara. That's what we managed to secure," Yemi stated.
The traffickers used various methods to deceive authorities, including hiding methamphetamine in backpacks, smuggling drugs via boats to offshore locations before transferring them to land vehicles, and even wrapping them in fast-food restaurant paper bags.
One of the largest busts occurred at the Medan Police Station, where 33 kilograms of meth were seized from a single suspect. During a raid in Asahan, police found a major drug dealer armed with a firearm. The suspect attempted to fight back and fired at the police during the arrest.
"No officers were injured, but the suspect managed to escape and is currently being pursued. This shows that the drug network is becoming increasingly dangerous, not only destroying the younger generation with illicit substances but also threatening the safety of law enforcement officers," Yemi added.
The North Sumatra Police also destroyed evidence from 22 cases that have been processed. The suspects are charged under Indonesia's Narcotics Law, with penalties including the death penalty, life imprisonment, a minimum of four years in prison, and a fine of up to Rp10 billion.
Whisnu emphasized that the war on drugs would not stop there. "We will continue to pursue other perpetrators, including active networks. This is our commitment to saving the younger generation from the destruction caused by drugs," he reaffirmed.
The North Sumatra Police also urged the public to play an active role in breaking the drug distribution chain. Whisnu called on citizens to report any suspicious drug-related activities in their communities. "We cannot work alone. Cooperation from all elements of society is needed to prevent the further spread of drugs," said Whisnu.
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