Indonesia said it seized 2.6 tons of liquid meth from a ship near the Riau Islands.
Why it matters: The case shows how traffickers are pushing narcotics through Southeast Asian sea routes, increasing pressure on maritime enforcement. It also matters for shipping and border security across the Malacca-adjacent corridor.
- Indonesia's National Narcotics Board said it intercepted the MV Ocean Porter near the Riau Islands.
- Authorities detained 10 crew members, all Myanmar nationals, on suspicion of links to a trafficking network.
- The drugs were hidden in drums and water tanks, according to the board.
- Antara said investigators traced a suspected route from Sarawak, Malaysia, toward Indonesian waters.
Indonesian authorities intercepted a ship near the Riau Islands and seized about 2.6 tons of liquid methamphetamine, the National Narcotics Board said in a case first reported by AP.
The board said the interdiction involved the MV Ocean Porter, and that the drugs were concealed in drums and water tanks. Antara reported that investigators traced a suspected trafficking route from Sarawak, Malaysia, toward Indonesian waters.
Police detained 10 crew members, all Myanmar nationals, AP reported. Roy Hardi Siahaan, the BNN director of enforcement and pursuit, said: "Didapatkan 2,6 ton methamphetamine narkotika golongan I atau sabu cair", or 2.6 tons of liquid methamphetamine.
Authorities did not specify whether the 2.6-ton figure refers to gross liquid volume or pure methamphetamine content.
By the numbers
- 2.6 tons - amount of liquid methamphetamine Indonesian authorities said they seized
- 10 crew members - number of Myanmar nationals detained
- Riau Islands - location of the interdiction
Yes, but: Authorities did not clarify whether the 2.6-ton figure refers to gross liquid volume or pure methamphetamine content.