The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Indonesia, in a joint operation with the North Sumatra Provincial BNN, has successfully thwarted a major interprovincial cannabis trafficking attempt, seizing a substantial 200 kilograms of the illicit substance. This significant haul was destined for distribution across various regions, including the densely populated island of Java.
Brigadier General Pol Roy Hardi Siahaan, the Acting Deputy for Eradication at BNN, revealed that the extensive drug bust took place within the North Sumatra province. The meticulous operation led to the apprehension of three suspects, identified by their initials AS, YH, and DJS, believed to be key players in the trafficking network.
“The BNN Provincial Office, in collaboration with the Deputy for Eradication, successfully uncovered this case involving 200 kilograms of cannabis originating from Aceh and heading towards Medan,” Roy stated during a press conference held at the BNN Office on Thursday, January 5th. This statement underscored the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug crime.
The perpetrators employed a sophisticated two-vehicle strategy to execute their illicit transport. “The suspects, upon their capture, were utilizing two vehicles. The first car was a Toyota Hilux, and the other was a Toyota Innova, with each vehicle serving a distinct and crucial role in their operation,” Roy elaborated, highlighting the coordinated nature of the smuggling attempt.
Roy further detailed the specific functions of each vehicle. The Toyota Hilux was primarily used to transport the hundreds of kilograms of cannabis. In contrast, the Toyota Innova served as a scout car, meticulously monitoring the road situation to detect any potential law enforcement presence.
“The role of the first car was to carry the 200 kilograms of cannabis, which was expertly packaged in plastic sacks, revealing dried cannabis upon inspection. Meanwhile, the Toyota Innova acted as an escort or a ‘checker,’ ensuring a clear path for the primary transport,” he added, illustrating the methodical approach of the drug couriers.
Investigations revealed the distinct roles played by each apprehended suspect. AS was identified as the driver responsible for transporting the contraband. YH and DJS, on the other hand, were tasked with ensuring the route remained clear of law enforcement officials, acting as lookouts for the operation.
“AS was directly involved in driving the vehicle carrying the 200 kilograms of drugs, while YH and DJS served as escort and checker personnel, specifically tasked with anticipating any intervention from authorities targeting the evidence,” Roy confirmed, emphasizing the division of labor within the syndicate.
Further examination uncovered that this particular network intended to distribute the large cannabis shipment across multiple provinces, with Java Island being a primary target. The estimated street value of the confiscated drugs is staggering, reaching into billions of Indonesian Rupiah.
“This is an interprovincial network, and subsequent examinations revealed that the evidence was intended for distribution across several provinces, including Java Island,” Roy disclosed. He added, “The economic value of this cannabis in the market could reach up to 1.5 billion Indonesian Rupiah.” This substantial figure highlights the immense profits sought by drug syndicates.
The BNN proudly announced that by intercepting this massive consignment, they have potentially saved hundreds of thousands of lives from the devastating impact of drug abuse. This prevention effort aligns with the agency’s broader mission to protect the nation’s youth and communities.
“With this total of 200 kilograms of cannabis, BNN has successfully mitigated the potential for drug abuse among approximately 600,000 individuals. This also underscores the significant market value of the seized cannabis, which could have reached 1.5 billion Indonesian Rupiah,” Roy reiterated, emphasizing both the human and financial scale of the achievement.
Consequently, the arrested suspects now face severe legal ramifications for their actions. Under Indonesian law, drug trafficking offenses carry a range of harsh penalties, from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
“The cannabis traffickers apprehended in North Sumatra, or Medan, are charged under Article 111 paragraph 2, Article 114 paragraph 2 of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, read in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, and Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning the adjustment of subsidiary criminal penalties, specifically Article 610 paragraph 2 letter a of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, read in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning the adjustment of criminal penalties, with the potential threat of life imprisonment or even the death penalty,” Roy concluded, underscoring the formidable legal consequences awaiting the alleged traffickers.
Summary
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN), in collaboration with the North Sumatra Provincial BNN, successfully intercepted a major interprovincial cannabis trafficking operation. This significant bust in North Sumatra led to the seizure of 200 kilograms of cannabis destined for various regions, including Java Island. Three suspects, AS, YH, and DJS, were apprehended for their roles in the network.
The perpetrators employed a sophisticated two-vehicle strategy, using a Toyota Hilux for transporting the illicit substance and a Toyota Innova as a scout car. The confiscated drugs, originating from Aceh, have an estimated street value of 1.5 billion Indonesian Rupiah. BNN stated this operation potentially saved 600,000 individuals from drug abuse, and the suspects face severe legal penalties.