Customs and police officers intercept drug courier hiding over one kilogram of meth on his body.

A joint operation by Karimun Customs and Karimun Police thwarted an international drug-smuggling attempt, uncovering over 1 kilogram of methamphetamine strapped to a passenger arriving from Malaysia.

Coordinated Action Stops Smuggling Attempt

A coordinated effort by Karimun Customs (Bea Cukai) and the Karimun Police Narcotics Unit thwarted an attempt to smuggle 1.023 kilograms of methamphetamine through the Tanjungbalai Karimun International Port on Saturday, 22 November 2025. Officers apprehended a man identified as NI, a passenger traveling aboard the vessel Oceanna 8 from Kukup, Malaysia.

Suspicious Passenger Triggers Inspection

The operation began when Customs analysts flagged NI’s name on the passenger manifest arriving from Malaysia. Upon arrival at around 08:30 WIB, officers noticed NI’s suspicious behavior and conducted a full inspection using X-ray scanning, body tapping, and baggage checks. The search uncovered four plastic-wrapped packets of methamphetamine tightly strapped to the suspect’s abdomen using a brown corset.

First-Time Courier Paid Rp50 Million

According to AKP Sulistio Bimantoro, Head of the Karimun Police Narcotics Unit, NI admitted he was promised Rp50 million to transport the drugs from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to Karimun. He was allegedly instructed by a handler identified only as CS, who remains in Malaysia. Officers confirmed that this was NI’s first attempt acting as a drug courier.

Evidence Handed Over for Investigation

Customs immediately transferred NI and all confiscated evidence to the Karimun Police Narcotics Unit for further investigation. Seized items include:

• 4 packages of methamphetamine (gross weight 1.023 kg)
• Passport and boarding pass
• Brown wallet, black sling bag
• Bus tickets and ferry tickets
• Brown corset used to conceal the drugs
• Samsung Galaxy A06 handset

Severe Legal Consequences Under Indonesia’s Narcotics Law

NI now faces charges under Article 113 (2) Subsidiary Article 112 (2) of Law No. 35/2009 on Narcotics. The penalties are among Indonesia’s harshest: a minimum of 5 years in prison, up to 20 years, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty, alongside fines ranging from Rp1 billion to Rp10 billion.

Authorities Strengthen Port Surveillance

Customs official Nanang Permana stressed that the case demonstrates the importance of vigilance at international entry points. AKP Sulistio added that smuggling drugs by strapping them to the body is a common tactic used by cross-border networks, but increased coordination between agencies has significantly improved detection rates.

Ongoing Commitment to Protect Karimun

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to preventing narcotics circulation in the Karimun archipelago, a known transit point between Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Continuous monitoring, enhanced intelligence, and strict inspections remain central to their strategy to dismantle international drug trafficking networks.

Sources: Batamtoday.com (2025) , Gokepri (2025)

Keywords: Methamphetamine Smuggling, Karimun Customs, Oceanna 8, Cross-Border Crime, AKP Sulistio Bimantoro