By: Ayu Widyasti )*
The success of the Indonesian National Police in uncovering an international drug network once again proves the country’s serious commitment to combating drug crimes, through a major operation called “Gain Operation”.
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) together with the West Java Regional Police and Customs have demonstrated concrete steps to break the chain of drug trafficking that threatens the future of the younger generation. This operation, which successfully secured Rp670 billion worth of drugs, reflects a strategic and coordinated effort to protect the public from the dangers of narcotics.
The disclosure carried out in several areas of West Java involved raids in Cibinong District, Bogor Regency, and Bojongsoang District, Bandung Regency. Officers arrested three suspects who had key roles in the network. SR acted as a liaison, SV was responsible for making raw materials, while IV was in charge of packing goods in a clandestine laboratory.
In addition, the police are also hunting down other suspects who are suspected of being the masterminds of the network. The process of pursuing the main suspect is carried out through cross-regional cooperation, even involving Interpol to ensure that all members of the network can be brought to justice.
In this operation, officers seized significant evidence, including 259 liters of Liquid Narcotics, 7,333 sachets of Happy Water, hazardous chemicals, and Rp 75 million in cash. Various production equipment, such as mixers, packaging tools, and portable stoves, were also found at the location.
All these pieces of evidence reveal the scale of the drug network and confirm the success of the carefully designed operation. According to experts, the clandestine laboratory discovered had a very large production capacity, indicating that the network had been operating for some time with a wide impact on society.
Deputy Chief of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Indonesian National Police, Inspector General of Police Asep Edi Suheri, stated that this operation is a real manifestation of the National Police’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, in accordance with the direction of President Prabowo Subianto. The government places drug eradication as one of the main priorities in maintaining public safety.
The Indonesian National Police, as the vanguard in this war, ensures that every drug network, both local and international, will be dealt with firmly without compromise. He added that this success is also proof of the importance of synergy between government institutions in carrying out the noble task of protecting future generations from the threat of narcotics.
In addition to the disclosure in West Java, similar achievements were also shown by the East Java Regional Police. Over the past two months, the East Java Regional Police Narcotics Investigation Directorate together with the Polres ranks have succeeded in uncovering 819 drug cases with a total of 1,048 suspects. The confiscated evidence includes crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, and dangerous hard drugs with very large values.
One of the biggest cases was the seizure of 16 kg of crystal methamphetamine from a Malaysia-Sumatra-East Java drug network, which marked a major success in reducing drug trafficking in the region. The operation also involved an in-depth investigation into drug distribution channels, including small ports that are often used as smuggling routes.
Director of Drugs of East Java Regional Police, Senior Commissioner of Police Robert Da Costa, said that this success is inseparable from the hard work and synergy of all parties involved. The disclosure of this large network, including drug trafficking in correctional institutions, shows that the Police continue to work non-stop to combat the threat of narcotics.
In the future, Polda Jatim is committed to continuing to develop the network that has been revealed, both at the national and international levels. Handling of this network will also be followed by rehabilitation efforts for victims of drug abuse, as part of a holistic approach to addressing narcotics problems.
Indonesia Narcotic Watch (INW) also gave appreciation for the success of the Police in uncovering the international drug network. INW Executive Director, Budi Tanjung, praised the steps taken by the Police who intensively dismantled the drug dealer network in the last two months.
According to Budi, this success is in line with the priorities in President Prabowo’s 100-day work program which emphasizes drug eradication as part of the Asta Cita vision. He also noted that the approach used is not only focused on enforcement but also on breaking the supply chain that covers international areas.
Budi said that during 2024, the National Police had uncovered more than 17,800 drug cases with evidence reaching 2.2 million grams of crystal methamphetamine. This operation was considered successful in saving around 10 million lives from the threat of drugs. However, he also reminded that success is not only measured by the high number of disclosures, but also by the decrease in the prevalence of drug abuse in society.
INW hopes that the government can focus more on prevention, such as through campaigns, education, and community empowerment, so that the dangers of drugs can be reduced significantly. INW also calls for increased cooperation with international organizations to ensure that cross-country operations can run more effectively.
This success is proof that the government is on the right track in combating drugs. With a shared commitment between the government, law enforcement officers, and the community, Indonesia is optimistic that it can create a safer environment, free from narcotics, and support the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
These steps also emphasize the importance of cross-sector collaboration to strengthen drug eradication efforts, both through law enforcement operations and community-based prevention strategies. With closer cooperation between the government and various elements of society, a drug-free future in Indonesia is becoming an increasingly real hope.
)* contributor to the Forum Indonesia Emas