Key facts
- Indonesia arrested 10 Myanmar nationals in a drug bust.
Indonesian authorities arrested 10 Myanmar nationals after seizing 2.6 metric tons of liquid methamphetamine from a ship in the Riau Islands. The drugs were found hidden in a water tank and drums. The bust highlights evolving drug trafficking methods, with officials calling for a ban on vapes.
The large seizure of liquid methamphetamine highlights the evolving tactics of drug trafficking organizations and the challenges faced by authorities in combating the illicit drug trade, particularly concerning new methods of distribution like vapes.
Indonesian authorities have arrested 10 Myanmar nationals following the seizure of 2.6 metric tons of liquid methamphetamine from a ship sailing under a Tanzanian flag. The drugs were discovered hidden within a water tank and eight 200-liter drums on the vessel, which was intercepted in the waters of the Riau Islands.
According to Suyudi Ario Seto, chief of Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency, the bust is evidence of evolving drug trafficking methods, with criminals moving from solid forms to liquid forms for use in vapes and electronic cigarettes. Seto advocated for a total ban on vapes.
The joint operation, involving police and customs, was initiated based on intelligence analysis that began in December, triggered by the ship's frequent changes in identity. Authorities stated that the arrested group has connections to a previous seizure earlier in August, which involved 1.3 tons of ketamine also found in Riau waters, with most of that vessel's crew also being of Myanmar nationality.
Indonesia has stringent drug laws, with some offenses carrying the death penalty.