Indonesian Authorities Seize 106kg of Crystal Methamphetamine

On Saturday, July 13, Indonesian authorities confiscated 106 kg of crystal methamphetamine aboard the landing craft Legend Aquarius in Pongkar waters, Karimun Regency, part of the Riau Islands, Indonesia.

The National Narcotics Agency of Indonesia (BNN RI) received intelligence regarding drug smuggling in the Riau Islands. Acting on this information, BNN RI collaborated with the Riau Island Province BNN and the Sea Patrol Unit of the Directorate General of Customs & Excise, launching a joint operation to seize the drugs on the vessel.

The craft was transported to Batam Sekupang Makmur Abadi Harbour for inspection. During the search, authorities discovered 106 plastic packages containing crystal methamphetamine.

Three Indian nationals are suspected of being involved in the smuggling operation. These individuals, who hold Singapore residency permits, allegedly chartered the Legend Aquarius to transport the drugs. When the vessel called at a private port in Johor Bahru, the suspects reportedly concealed the drugs in a hidden compartment aboard the ship.

At a press conference on Wednesday, July 17, the BNN Chief disclosed that the drugs were hidden in the ship's deck, inside a fuel container. 

All evidence has been secured, and the suspects are currently under investigation. If found guilty, they could face the death penalty under Indonesian narcotics law.

It was reported that the vessel was traveling from Malaysia through Indonesia en route to Brisbane, Australia.