Indonesia police thwart 30 kg meth linked to prison-controlled global network

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – Indonesia Sulawesi Regional Police on Tuesday have thwarted the distribution of 30.2 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and 8,229 mephedrone pills linked to an international network operated from within prison.

Sulawesi Police Chief Inspector General Yudhiawan Wibisono to reporters in Makassar that “This operation is managed by an international network that uses an expedition route from Surabaya to South Sulawesi”.

Police seized the evidence at three different locations in Makassar and Kendari, both in South Sulawesi province, with raids conducted on October 8, 11, and 18, media reported.

The investigation began with the arrests of IS and HR, who were found carrying meth, police stated.

It led to further raids and the discovery of additional evidence at other locations. So far, six suspects have been arrested, while four others remain at large, media reported.

The suspects used private messaging apps to communicate and coordinate the drug shipments, with couriers reportedly receiving 8 million rupiah (about 500 US dollars) per kilogramme transported.

The suspects face charges under the Narcotics Law, carrying penalties ranging from six years to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, police added.