In a significant blow to international drug trafficking, Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has successfully dismantled a network responsible for distributing 160 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, directly linked to the notorious Golden Triangle syndicate. The Golden Triangle, a region encompassing parts of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, is widely recognized as a major hub for illicit drug production and trade.
The substantial cache of ready-to-distribute crystal meth was confiscated by the BNN across multiple locations within Aceh province, underscoring the widespread reach of this criminal operation.
Brigadier General Pol Roy Hardi Siahaan, the Acting Deputy of Eradication at the BNN, provided a detailed account of the case’s origins. He explained that the investigation commenced with the arrest of a drug courier, identified by the initials M, in East Aceh on January 24, 2026.
“Following a search of the suspect’s vehicle, officers discovered five yellow plastic sacks, each containing 20 packages of Group I narcotics, specifically crystal methamphetamine, with a gross weight of 100 kg,” Roy announced during a press conference held at the BNN office in East Jakarta on Thursday, February 5.
The 100 kg of crystal meth found with M was reportedly dispatched under the orders of an individual identified as IB. This crucial lead immediately prompted the BNN to seek assistance from the Aceh Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP Aceh) to pursue and apprehend the alleged mastermind.
The case quickly escalated through the diligent efforts of the BNNP Aceh, culminating in IB’s capture in the Bireuen area on February 4, 2026. Subsequent interrogation led officers to uncover further stashes of crystal meth, which had been concealed separately.
Roy revealed that this additional illicit substance was hidden in collaboration with another individual, identified as A. The drugs were ingeniously buried at a location known as Kandang Kambing (Goat Pen).
“From Bireuen, we escorted the suspect to locate the hidden evidence. It turned out that the suspect, in conjunction with another person named A, had buried 60 kilograms of evidence at a site called Kandang Kambing,” Roy further elaborated, highlighting the intricate concealment method used by the syndicate.
With these discoveries, the total amount of crystal meth seized in this operation surged to an astonishing 160 kg. The BNN also uncovered a new and unusual packaging method employed by the syndicate: using coffee sachets, a stark departure from their previous preference for tea packaging.
“The difference in packaging, as colleagues are now aware, is the use of coffee packaging. These coffee packages were labeled ‘Guatemala Antigua.’ While we’ve typically seen green tea packaging, this new type of packaging, upon further investigation, reveals a direct correlation with an international syndicate operating within the Golden Triangle network,” Roy explained, emphasizing the unique characteristic linking the seizure to the international criminal organization.
The BNN’s investigation is delving deeper into these complex drug trafficking routes, with initial intelligence indicating a connection to suppliers based in Malaysia.
“Our intelligence network’s tracing efforts have revealed that this syndicate is connected to suppliers in Malaysia. Therefore, we can tentatively conclude that the indications point towards an international syndicate operating within the Golden Triangle network,” Roy added, signaling the broad scope of this cross-border operation.
Currently, three individuals have been designated as suspects in this high-profile case. They face severe penalties, including the death sentence, and are charged under Article 114 paragraph 2 juncto Article 132 paragraph 1 of Indonesian Law Number 35 Year 2009 concerning Narcotics, subsidiary to Article 609 paragraph 2 letter a of Law Number 1 Year 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, as amended by Law Number 1 Year 2026 concerning criminal adjustments juncto Article 132 paragraph 1 of Law Number 35 Year 2009 concerning Narcotics. These stringent legal provisions underscore Indonesia’s firm stance against drug-related offenses.
Summary
The Indonesian National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has successfully dismantled a drug network linked to the Golden Triangle syndicate, seizing a total of 160 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine across Aceh province. The operation commenced on January 24, 2026, with the arrest of a courier, M, in East Aceh, where 100 kg of drugs were confiscated. This initial lead led to the apprehension of the alleged mastermind, IB, and the subsequent discovery of an additional 60 kg of drugs hidden with an accomplice, A.
The seized crystal meth was notably packaged in unique coffee sachets labeled “Guatemala Antigua,” a new method indicative of its connection to the international Golden Triangle network, with intelligence pointing to suppliers in Malaysia. Three individuals have been named as suspects in this significant case. They face stringent legal penalties, including the death sentence, under Indonesia’s narcotics laws.