Over 7kg of drugs destroyed as BNNP Kepri busts major cross-border syndicates in May 2025
In a sweeping anti-narcotics campaign, BNNP Kepri seized over 7 kilograms of drugs and arrested 13 suspects—two of them foreign nationals. The operation revealed deeply rooted smuggling networks operating between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Major Drug Bust Across Kepri
In May 2025, the National Narcotics Agency of Riau Islands Province (BNNP Kepri) dismantled several drug networks in Batam and Bintan, seizing 5.1 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1.9 kilograms of dried marijuana. The operation involved 13 suspects, including two Thai nationals identified as YP (59) and SS (64). The remaining 11 suspects are Indonesian nationals apprehended in separate coordinated raids.
Kombes Nestor N. Simanihuruk, acting Head of Eradication at BNNP Kepri, confirmed that the seized narcotics were incinerated on June 19 using a mobile incinerator at the BNNP headquarters. A small portion of the substances was retained for court evidence and forensic verification.
International Links and Smuggling Routes
One of the largest busts occurred on May 16 in Tanjung Riau, Sekupang, Batam, where three suspects—TN, WH, and IZ—were caught smuggling 2.9 kilograms of meth from Malaysia via Pelabuhan Renggot. Suspect IZ acted as the courier, while TN and WH were arrested during a follow-up operation.
The trio reportedly completed four smuggling runs, earning up to IDR 10 million (SGD 800) per kilogram. However, during their last run, one courier received only IDR 100,000 (SGD 8), suggesting the network may have faced funding issues or internal deceit.
According to Kompol Tafsirudin, BNNP Kepri’s Intelligence Chief, the smuggling was orchestrated by a syndicate leader still at large. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend this fugitive, known only by the initials SU.
Marijuana Distribution Foiled in Batam
On May 3, BNNP Kepri intercepted 1.9 kilograms of dried marijuana inside a Batam apartment. Suspects AA and NI were caught preparing the narcotics for distribution across the province. Authorities believe this operation was part of a larger network attempting to establish local distribution hubs.
Airport Arrests Uncover More Smugglers
At Hang Nadim Airport, four individuals—MS, HI, AS, and FR—were intercepted trying to transport meth. The confiscated amounts were substantial:
- MS & HI: 970.66 grams
- AS: 966.5 grams
- FR: 481.4 grams
In Bintan, suspect TF was found with 56.89 grams of meth, while RO was arrested in Nagoya, Batam, carrying 50.68 grams.
Coordinated Efforts and Legal Action
The seized narcotics were publicly destroyed with supervision from the Batam District Court, Batam Prosecutor’s Office, and the Riau Islands Police. All 13 suspects now face charges under Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, with potential penalties ranging from 20 years in prison to the death sentence.
Authorities emphasized the transnational nature of these operations, as smuggling routes stretch from Malaysia into Indonesia’s border provinces. These cases underline the need for stronger surveillance and international cooperation.
The May 2025 raids in Kepri spotlight the growing complexity of drug trafficking in Indonesia’s border regions. With international syndicates and repeat offenders involved, this issue poses a grave threat not only to Indonesia but also to neighboring countries like Singapore. BNNP Kepri’s decisive actions demonstrate a firm stance, but the arrest of kingpins like SU remains vital to dismantling these networks completely.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Detik (2025)
Keywords: BNNP Kepri, Drug Arrests, Batam Narcotics, Foreign Suspects, Drug Syndicate, Narcotics Destruction
