Two inmates attempted to smuggle 47.48 grams of methamphetamine inside a rice and chicken meal
A brazen drug smuggling attempt involving methamphetamine concealed in a packet of ayam geprek has been foiled at Tanjungpinang’s Class IIA Narcotics Prison, revealing the continued threat of narcotics infiltration within correctional facilities.
Two inmates at the Class IIA Narcotics Prison in Tanjungpinang, identified as Satria and Faizal, are under investigation after attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into the facility by hiding it inside a food order of rice and ayam geprek. The attempt was foiled during a routine inspection of incoming deliveries, where two clear plastic packets containing a total of 47.48 grams of crystal meth were discovered by prison staff.
According to IPTU Davinci Josie Sidabutar, Head of the Narcotics Unit at Bintan Police, Satria admitted he was acting under instruction from fellow inmate Faizal. The drugs were reportedly hidden in exchange for a promised payment of IDR 4 million (approx. SGD 313). Faizal is believed to be the mastermind behind the scheme, orchestrating the operation from within prison walls.
Investigators revealed that the suspicious meal package, which arrived at the prison’s P2U (Front Gate) checkpoint, prompted a more thorough search after officers noticed irregularities in the packaging. Their diligence led to the discovery of the narcotics, packed tightly within the food’s container, disguised as an ordinary inmate food order.
Authorities have also confiscated two mobile phones used in coordinating the smuggling attempt. Meanwhile, police are actively pursuing a third suspect, believed to be a relative of Satria, who remains at large. Charges under Indonesia’s Narcotics Law have been brought against both inmates, carrying potential life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Bejo, the Head of Tanjungpinang Narcotics Prison, stated that regular inspections and surprise raids are a standard part of their operations to prevent contraband from entering the facility. “We are constantly improving our internal controls, but these incidents prove the importance of unrelenting vigilance,” he said.
Director of the Riau Islands Correctional Office, Aris Munandar, commended the swift collaboration between the prison staff and Bintan Police, reiterating a zero-tolerance stance against drug trafficking. “We will not compromise. All illicit activities within correctional facilities will be crushed through stronger surveillance and continued synergy with law enforcement,” he stated.
This case highlights the creative lengths criminal networks will go to infiltrate controlled environments, even leveraging simple food items as a smuggling tool. It underscores the ongoing struggle Indonesian correctional institutions face in their fight against narcotics, calling for stronger oversight, public awareness, and community involvement in combating this persistent threat.
Sources: Go TV News (2025), Batam Today (2025)
Keywords: Tanjungpinang Prison, Methamphetamine Smuggling, Ayam Geprek Drug Case, Inmate Drug Network, Satria And Faizal
