Joint operation intercepts foreign vessel carrying ketamine as police investigate links to an international trafficking network.

Indonesia has made another major maritime drug seizure in the Riau Islands, reinforcing concerns that waters surrounding Batam, Anambas, and Natuna are being exploited by international trafficking networks. Authorities seized 800 kilograms of ketamine from a foreign-flagged vessel, with the operation developing from an earlier 1.3-ton ketamine case near Bintan.

800kg of Ketamine Found on Foreign Vessel
Indonesia’s National Police Narcotics Crimes Directorate, working with the National Narcotics Agency, Customs and Excise, and Riau Islands Police, uncovered 800 kilograms of ketamine hydrochloride in Anambas waters. Officers intercepted the Comoros-flagged Fu Chang Xing I on August 22, later finding 40 sacks containing ketamine concealed inside the vessel’s steering room.

Suspicious Ship Movements Triggered Investigation
During monitoring, authorities detected what police described as unusual and suspicious movements by the Fu Chang Xing I. On August 13, the vessel was found to have switched off its Automatic Identification System and was observed conducting ship-to-ship activity with the Mongolia-flagged MV Asley. A joint operation was subsequently organized to intercept and inspect both vessels.

Ten Foreign Crew Members Detained
Officers secured 10 crew members aboard the Fu Chang Xing I, consisting of nine Myanmar nationals and one Taiwanese national. The vessel was escorted to the Customs and Excise facility in Tanjunguncang, Batam. Police identified the Taiwanese national as a suspect as investigators continue examining the roles of the other crew members and the network allegedly behind the shipment. The allegations remain subject to the ongoing legal process.

Second Vessel Intercepted Near Natuna
Authorities intercepted the MV Asley in Natuna waters on August 23, securing six Indonesian crew members, although no ketamine was found aboard that vessel. Investigators are examining the relationship between the two ships and whether their ship-to-ship activity formed part of a wider trafficking operation.

Case Linked to Earlier 1.3-Ton Seizure
Police said the investigation developed from the discovery of nearly 1.3 tons of ketamine aboard the MV King Sun near Tanjung Berakit on August 6. Authorities are now investigating possible international connections behind the cases, with Bareskrim saying cooperation with law enforcement agencies from other countries is part of efforts to uncover cross-border networks operating through Riau Islands waters.

The 800kg Anambas seizure, following the earlier 1.3-ton case, highlights the strategic challenge Indonesia faces in securing the Riau Islands’ extensive maritime routes. For Indonesians, particularly communities around Batam and Kepri, stronger maritime surveillance is crucial to preventing the region from becoming a trafficking corridor. The international nature of the suspected network also reinforces the importance of intelligence and law enforcement cooperation with Singapore, Malaysia, and other regional partners.

Sources: Batampos (2026) , Antara News (2026)

Keywords: Anambas Ketamine Seizure, Riau Islands Drug Trafficking, Batam Drug Case, Fu Chang Xing I, International Drug Network, Bareskrim Polri