Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A married couple has been arrested by the Riau Police’s Directorate of Narcotics Investigation (Ditresnarkoba) for acting as couriers in a drug trafficking operation valued at Rp18.8 billion ($1.2 million). The confiscated drugs included methamphetamine and ecstasy pills.
The Sub-Directorate III of Ditresnarkoba Riau foiled an attempt to transport the drugs from Riau to South Sumatra, apprehending suspects, including the couple, identified as ZM (30) and SA (28). They were detained alongside two other men, AF (23) and DS (30), at two different locations in Sei Kijang, Pelalawan Regency, Riau.
Riau Police’s Narcotics Investigation Director, Senior Commissioner Putu Yudha Prawira, stated that the first arrest took place on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Kilometer 34 of Jalan Lintas Timur in Bandar Sei Kijang District.
“At this first location, we apprehended three individuals: ZM, AF, and SA. However, no drugs were found at the scene,” Putu said on Thursday (February 20), as reported by VoI.
During questioning, authorities learned that these three suspects served as “sweepers” tasked with scouting and ensuring the drug shipment route was clear of law enforcement surveillance. They were reportedly paid between Rp1.5 million ($95) and Rp6 million ($380) for their role.
Pursuit Effort
Following further investigation, officers moved to a second location, a mosque parking lot along Jalan Lintas Maredan in Bandar Sei Kijang District. There, police arrested two more individuals, DS (37) and MH (34), who were allegedly directly involved in drug trafficking.
“Inside their vehicle, officers discovered a large bag containing 10 packs of methamphetamine labeled Guang Ying Wang and six large packages of ecstasy pills, totaling approximately 30,000 tablets,” Putu explained.
According to Putu, the seized drugs had an estimated street value of more than Rp18.8 billion ($1.2 million), consisting of 9.87 kilograms of methamphetamine and 30,000 ecstasy pills.
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Legal Consequences
After further interrogation, police officially named four suspects, ZM, AF, SA, and DS, who are now in custody at Riau Police Headquarters. “They face the maximum sentence of either the death penalty or life imprisonment,” Putu concluded.
They have been charged under Articles 114 (2), 112 (2), and 132 (1) of Indonesia’s Narcotics Law No. 35 of 2009, which carry a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, aiming to dismantle the broader drug network and prevent further trafficking operations in the Riau region.
(Raidi/Agung)
