Indonesian Navy destroys Rp34.9 bln in narcotic vapes amid crackdown

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3 hours ago

Lampung (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Navy, working alongside local law enforcement, destroyed 4,364 narcotic-laced vape cartridges valued at Rp34.9 billion (approximately US$1.94 million) at the Lampung Naval Base Command Headquarters on Monday.

The public destruction highlights an escalating crackdown on illicit drug trafficking networks utilizing domestic transport routes.

“The destruction of this evidence is part of our law enforcement efforts and serves as a measure of transparency—ensuring that these dangerous items do not re-enter circulation within the community,” Indonesian Navy Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Edwin said in Bandar Lampung.

Naval estimates indicate that intercepting the shipment has shielded between 13,000 and 22,000 potential victims from the impacts of drug abuse.

The operation traces back to the early hours of October 5, 2026, when a joint naval detail inspected a Medan–Tangerang passenger bus at Bakauheni Port. Officers discovered thousands of illicit vape cartridges concealed behind three boxes of cassava chips.

Edwin noted that drug syndicates continue exploiting land and sea routes to smuggle contraband, specifically focusing on Bakauheni Port as a primary transit bridge between Sumatra and Java.

“Bakauheni Port—as a strategic hub—requires strict, 24-hour surveillance. The uncovering of this case also reaffirms that the state is present, united and leaves no room for narcotics,” he noted.

The Bakauheni seizure is part of a broader string of maritime interdictions conducted by the Indonesian Navy throughout 2026.

In June, authorities thwarted a crystal methamphetamine and ecstasy smuggling attempt from Malaysia off the waters of Karimun.

A subsequent joint operation in August intercepted a vessel carrying 1.3 tons of ketamine in the Riau Islands.

Furthermore, in September, the Navy’s Central Intelligence Task Force and the Lampung Naval Base Quick Response Team intercepted 240 etomidate-laced vape cartridges in Karimun waters.

“This series of interceptions demonstrates that narcotics networks continue to attempt to penetrate Indonesian territory through various routes, including via its waters and ports,” Edwin concluded.