Inp.polri.go.id - Balikpapan. East Kalimantan Regional Police have arrested three men for attempting to smuggle 33 kilograms of methamphetamine from Malaysia into Samarinda. 

The suspects, identified as R, N, and P,  admitted they were promised Rp200 million each for successfully delivering the drugs, according to antaranews,com on Frirday (25/4/2025)..

The arrests followed a community tip-off and were carried out on Thursday, in two separate locations. Initially, suspects R and P were caught with 4 kg of meth. Further investigation led to a stash of 29 kg hidden in suitcases inside a minivan, where suspect N was also arrested.

The meth is believed to have entered Indonesia via North Kalimantan through land routes. Authorities suspect a larger international trafficking network is involved and are continuing the investigation.

The suspects face charges under the Narcotics Law, carrying maximum penalties of life imprisonment or death. Police stressed that East Kalimantan is now not only a transit point but also a target market for narcotics.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)