An East Java man, Mochammad Hery, has been sentenced to death by the Bengkalis District Court in Riau, Indonesia, after being found guilty of attempting to smuggle 39.6 kilograms of methamphetamine from Malaysia.
Drug Trafficking and the Law
The sentencing occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. Presiding Judge Manata Binsar Tua Samosir determined that Hery violated Article 114 of the 2009 Narcotics Law, which addresses drug trafficking involving quantities exceeding five grams. The judge stated that Hery’s actions were “careful and systematic” and linked to an international drug syndicate.
According to Wahyu Ibrahim, Head of the Intelligence Division at the Bengkalis Prosecutor’s Office, the prosecution sought the death penalty due to the “massive potential impact on the public” had the smuggling attempt succeeded. The court agreed, finding no mitigating factors in the case.
The Investigation
Hery was arrested on April 18th while traveling by speedboat off the coast of Bengkalis. Investigators revealed he was recruited in January by individuals known as Boim and BOS to act as a courier. After receiving instructions and funds, Hery traveled to Malaysia, purchased a car with RM70,000, and collected the methamphetamine near Kuala Lumpur.
He transported the drugs to Muar, Malaysia, where he met another individual, WAK, before attempting to smuggle the narcotics to Bengkalis. Authorities intercepted the speedboat, but WAK escaped. Both Boim and BOS remain at large.
Indonesia’s Strict Drug Laws
Indonesia maintains some of the world’s strictest drug laws, frequently imposing the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses. While no executions have been carried out since 2016, courts continue to issue death sentences. A 2024 report by Amnesty International indicates that Indonesian courts sentenced 85 people to death last year, with 64 of those sentences related to drug offenses.
This places Indonesia among the countries in Southeast Asia issuing the highest number of death sentences, trailing only Vietnam and Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the verdict final?
No, the verdict is not yet legally binding. Mochammad Hery has seven days to file an appeal with a higher court.
How did the defendant obtain the drugs?
Investigators determined that Hery was recruited by individuals named Boim and BOS and traveled to Malaysia to collect the methamphetamine after receiving funds and instructions.
What routes are commonly used for drug trafficking in the region?
Drug traffickers commonly use overland routes across Borneo Island and maritime routes to transport narcotics from Malaysia to Sumatra, according to the National Narcotics Agency (BNN).
Given the defendant’s right to appeal, what factors might influence the outcome of a potential higher court review?
