Sabu: The Most Seized Narcotic by the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in Mid-October 2023

The Indonesian National Police's Narcotics Crime Unit (P3GN) successfully uncovered 1,643 narcotics cases between October 1st and 17th, 2023. A total of 2,431 suspects were arrested.

The Deputy Head of the Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Wakabareskrim), Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, explained that these investigations were a follow-up to directives from President Joko Widodo.

"The President's directives emphasized firm law enforcement, rehabilitation for drug addicts and abusers, and prevention of drug smuggling," said Asep in an official statement on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.

He also revealed that methamphetamine (sabu) was the most seized evidence, totaling 315,870 kilograms (kg).

Cannabis was the second most seized drug, at 102,340 kg, followed by gorilla tobacco at 943 kg and ketamine at 495 kg.

In addition, the Indonesian National Police also confiscated 607,075 pills of illegal hard drugs and 26,392 ecstasy pills.

Regarding smuggling methods, Asep explained that the most common method was via sea routes. Drugs were also smuggled via land routes, hidden under motorcycle seats, or disguised within firearm smuggling operations.

The suspects involved in these narcotics cases will be charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 132 paragraph (2) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics.

The penalties include the death penalty, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for a minimum of 6 years and a maximum of 20 years, plus a fine of a minimum of Rp1 billion and a maximum of Rp10 billion, plus one-third.