Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Police is investigating an international drug trafficking network after arresting a Malaysian airline pilot accused of smuggling about 25 kilograms of ecstasy through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with officers pursuing other suspected syndicate members.
Awaludin Amin, head of Subdirectorate 2 at the National Police’s narcotics unit, said investigators were tracking the remaining members of the international network linked to the July 29 drug smuggling case at the airport in Tangerang, Banten.
“The suspects are still believed to be in the Jakarta area. We are working with Customs and other stakeholders to uncover the remaining network,” Awaludin told reporters here Friday.
He said the police remained committed to dismantling the syndicate and would pursue suspects through all possible escape routes.
“Our commitment is to continue pursuing the perpetrators, whether they flee by air or by sea,” he said.
Awaludin said the arrested pilot tested positive for multiple illegal narcotics following his detention.
Investigators also found the suspect had allegedly smuggled drugs on three previous occasions.
According to investigators, the first shipment involved methamphetamine transported to Sabah, Malaysia.
The second involved seven kilograms of methamphetamine destined for Jakarta, while the third consisted of ecstasy and methamphetamine bound for Jakarta before being intercepted by customs officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
Police said the latest seizure involved about 25 kilograms of ecstasy, strengthening suspicions that the suspect played a courier role within a broader international trafficking syndicate.
Authorities have not disclosed whether additional arrests have been made or identified other members of the network.
The investigation is continuing jointly with Customs as officers seek to trace the origin of the narcotics and identify those who organized the shipments.
The suspect has been charged under multiple provisions of Indonesia’s 2009 Narcotics Law, including Articles 113(2), 114(2), and 132(1), which carry severe criminal penalties for trafficking and conspiracy offenses.
If convicted, the suspect could face lengthy imprisonment or the death penalty under Indonesia’s strict anti-narcotics laws.
Translator: Azmi SM, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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