JakartaPost/Kompas-Nov 19
he Batam Customs and Excise Office uncovered two new methods to smuggle drugs from Malaysia, with combined evidence of about 1.5 kilograms of drugs, in two separate cases. Recent operations revealed that drug syndicates have started using body cavities to smuggle drugs. Batam Customs chief, Zaky Firmansyah, said the successful interceptions showed new, more daring smuggling methods. “We respond to every new pattern with stricter supervision and more intensive patrols. The enforcement shows our commitment to eradicating drug smuggling,” he told a press conference on Monday. The first interception took place on Oct. 29 at the Batam Center International Ferry Terminal, when customs officers arrested a passenger, identified as MM, who was arriving on board MV Citra Legacy 5 boat from the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal in Johor, Malaysia. Officers were suspicious of MM after K-9 sniffer dog Oriel paid attention to the suspect. An in-depth search found drugs had been hidden in the suspect’s anal cavity. Results from abdomen X-ray at a hospital found 10 packages of drugs totaling 236 grams of sabu (methamphetamine) and 256 ecstasy pills. In a separate development, the police arrested two narcotics mules, identified as DGM, 37, and WR, 30, in Bangun Sari village, Silo Laut district, Asahan regency, North Sumatra, on Nov. 9. “Both couriers were […] offered Rp 3 million (U$179.21) per kilogram of sabu if they managed to bring the drugs to Palembang,” Asahan Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Revi Nurvelani told a press conference at Asahan Police headquarters on Nov. 11, as quoted by Kompas.com. Read more at: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/11/19/batam-customs-uncovers-new-ways-to-smuggle-drugs-from-malaysia.html.
