Batam couple caught with 1.39g of meth hidden in intimate areas now face 20-year sentence.
A couple’s attempt to smuggle crystal methamphetamine by hiding it in underwear and a wallet has landed them in serious legal trouble in Batam. With drug networks tightening their grip on border cities, the pair may now face up to 20 years behind bars.
The Arrest and Seizure
On January 21, 2025, As’alukal Khusnul Afiata and her partner Reza Falafi were arrested in Lubuk Baja, Batam, after police discovered two packets of methamphetamine weighing 1.39 grams. The drugs were found hidden in As’alukal’s underwear and a black wallet. Authorities also seized a digital scale hidden inside a thermos under a television stand—further evidence pointing to drug distribution activity.
Meeting With a Fugitive
The couple’s journey began after As’alukal returned from Malaysia. Reza allegedly persuaded her to take a detour to Bengkong, Batam, to meet a fugitive known only as “Mamang.” During this meeting, they were handed two packets of meth—one for personal use, and the other intended for resale to another wanted individual, Pranowo.
To avoid detection, the couple disguised the drugs using a topical patch wrapper, a common tactic among smugglers. As’alukal admitted in court she was fully aware the substance was methamphetamine.
Courtroom Confession
The trial, held on July 16, 2025, at the Batam District Court, was led by presiding judge Andi Bayu and two accompanying judges. During the session, As’alukal confirmed her role in the smuggling scheme. Reza admitted to owning the digital scale and said he had previously bought drugs twice from Mamang.
Both are now being charged under Article 114(1) in conjunction with Article 132(1) of Indonesia’s Narcotics Law, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Meth Confirmed by Authorities
The Batam Food and Drug Authority confirmed that the seized drugs contained methamphetamine, classified as a Group I narcotic under Indonesian Health Ministry Regulation No. 44/2019 and Law No. 35/2009. The confirmation adds legal weight to the prosecution’s case.
Prosecutor Abdullah stated that both defendants remain in custody and that formal sentencing demands will be read at the next hearing scheduled in the coming week.
A Growing Border City Problem
This case illustrates how Batam continues to be a strategic node in regional narcotics distribution networks. The island’s proximity to Malaysia makes it vulnerable to cross-border trafficking, often involving low-level couriers who rely on deceptive and desperate methods to avoid detection.
The arrest of As’alukal and Reza is not an isolated incident but a warning sign of how illicit drug trade continues to target Indonesia’s border cities. As the court prepares to issue sentencing, this case underlines the critical need for enhanced border vigilance and regional cooperation—especially as traffickers seek new routes across Southeast Asia.
Sources: Batamtooday.com (2025) , Deteksi.co (2025)
Keywords: Batam Meth Case, Couple Drug Smuggling, Underwear Meth Hiding, Narcotics Law Indonesia, Court Hearing Batam, Methamphetamine Possession
