Post by : Badri Ariffin

A 22-year-old Malaysian citizen identified by the initials DI was arrested at Juanda International Airport in Sidoarjo after allegedly attempting to smuggle narcotics into Indonesia. Authorities said the suspect claimed he agreed to become an international drug courier because he was facing financial problems and debt.

The arrest took place at Terminal 2 of Juanda International Airport after DI arrived on Batik Air flight OD 352 operating on the Kuala Lumpur–Surabaya route.

Drugs Hidden Under a Corset

According to investigators, DI attempted to avoid detection by concealing narcotics beneath a body wrap or corset worn under his clothing.

The operation was carried out by the Juanda International Airport Security Task Force (Satgaspam) after receiving intelligence from the Juanda Customs Enforcement and Investigation Team (P2).

Lieutenant Colonel (P) Novi Manunggal, Commander of the Juanda Airport Task Force, said officers received information at around 9:50 a.m. WIB about a passenger suspected of carrying narcotics. "We received information around 9:50 a.m. WIB regarding a suspected passenger. Officers immediately deployed and conducted a blockade starting from the apron, the immigration area, and the Customs X-Ray," explained Novi.

Officers Seize Methamphetamine and Ecstasy Pills

After the aircraft landed at 11:16 a.m. WIB, officers stopped the suspect and conducted a detailed physical search.

During the inspection, authorities discovered narcotics attached directly to the suspect's body using the corset.

The joint team seized:

• Four packages of methamphetamine weighing a total of 990 grams
• Four packages containing 1,089 ecstasy pills

Authorities estimated the seized narcotics had a value of Rp 2.79 billion and said the operation potentially prevented the drugs from affecting approximately 6,584 people.

Airport Security Warns of International Drug Smuggling

Commander of Juanda Air Base, Navy Colonel (P) Henoch Nasairus Virzawan, said Juanda International Airport remains an important national gateway that can be targeted by international drug trafficking networks.

He said criminal groups often exploit individuals experiencing financial hardship to transport illegal drugs across borders. "We are committed to strengthening cross-agency synergy to maintain airport security and protect the public from the dangers of narcotics trafficking," said Henoch.

Earlier Drug Shipment Also Prevented

Authorities also revealed that the same joint team stopped another narcotics shipment on Sunday (August 2).

In that case, officers intercepted 188 grams of methamphetamine valued at approximately Rp 300 million. The drugs were intended to be transported by air cargo to Ternate, North Maluku after officials noticed inconsistencies in the shipment documents.

Suspect Faces Serious Narcotics Charges

The suspect and all seized evidence have been handed over to Sidoarjo Police investigators for further legal proceedings and to support efforts to uncover the wider narcotics network.

Authorities said DI has been charged under Article 113 Paragraph 2 of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics.

If convicted under the law, the suspect faces penalties ranging from a minimum of five years' imprisonment to a maximum of 20 years, life imprisonment, or the death penalty.

#Asia News #Malaysia #Malaysia News #Global Updates