A joint security operation involving the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Bareskrim Polri, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, and the Indonesian Navy has successfully intercepted nearly 1.3 ton of ketamine in the waters of the Riau Islands, according to authorities. The drug seizure, announced on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, involved a combined total of 1.298 kilogram atau hampir 1,3 ton ketamin of illicit substances hidden aboard a vessel by an international crew.
Joint Operation Secures 1.3 Ton of Ketamine in Riau Islands
The interdiction took place on Friday, August 7, 2026, when the joint task force intercepted the ship and detained eight crew members. Among those arrested were one Taiwanese national identified by the initials TSM, 43, and seven Myanmar nationals: KH, 29; MML, 36; ML, 55; PL, 27; TA, 51; ZO, 38; and another individual named MML, 44, according to official findings.
Law enforcement officers discovered the narcotics hidden inside a concealed compartment located near the vessel’s bridge. Inside, authorities recovered 65 sacks containing 1,300 packages of Chinese tea, which collectively weighed approximately 1.3 tons. Field testing using a Rigaku device confirmed that every tested sample yielded a positive result for ketamine.
Legislative Response and Safety Concerns Over Vape Distribution
House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni expressed high appreciation for the swift and decisive action taken by BNN, the National Police, the Navy, and Customs and Excise. Speaking on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Sahroni described the volume of the confiscated drugs as extraordinary and emphasized the severe threat the substances pose to the younger generation.
Sahroni specifically highlighted the danger of ketamine distributed inside vape liquids, noting that such products are particularly concerning because they are difficult to detect. Citing the shifting forms of illegal drugs, Sahroni reiterated his prior stance advocating for a total ban on vape products to protect children. He urged law enforcement agencies to maintain continuous operations to disrupt drug trafficking networks and make transactions increasingly difficult for criminal syndicates.
Did You Know? Law enforcement officers utilized a Rigaku testing device during the August 7 operation to confirm that all 1,300 seized packages of Chinese tea contained ketamine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the joint operation take place?
The joint interdiction operation occurred on Friday, August 7, 2026.
How much ketamine was seized by the authorities?
Authorities confiscated nearly 1.3 tons of ketamine packed into 1,300 Chinese tea packages across 65 sacks.
Who was detained during the raid in the Riau Islands?
Law enforcement detained eight crew members, consisting of one Taiwanese national and seven Myanmar nationals.
Keep reading