inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The East Java Regional Police destroyed 22.22 kilograms of cocaine found in the coastal area of ​​Sumenep Regency, Madura, in an effort to prevent misuse of the evidence.

"These items have a lucrative value. So it's best to destroy them immediately to prevent misuse," said East Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Nanang Avianto on Monday (5/4/2026).

He explained that the cocaine was initially found weighing around 27 kilograms, mixed with sand and marine debris. After being cleaned, the net weight was reduced to 22.22 kilograms.

Nanang stated that the discovery was a serious concern because drug trafficking in East Java has been dominated by crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, and ecstasy. 

"This indicates an unusual type of narcotic circulating in this region. This type is very expensive, and this is the first time we've found it," he said.

According to him East Java's coastal areas are highly vulnerable to drug smuggling routes, given their long coastline and relatively minimal surveillance.

"Coastal areas with little surveillance are vulnerable to smuggling routes. This is a particular concern for us," he said.

Throughout 2026, the East Java Regional Police recorded the disclosure of narcotics cases, with evidence totaling 72.77 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 37.9 kilograms of marijuana, 53 marijuana plants, and 22.22 kilograms of cocaine.

He added that his team, along with the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, are still conducting investigations to uncover the cocaine smuggling network, which is suspected to be linked to an international network.

"We are analyzing the network based on data on cocaine from Colombia. This indicates an international illicit trafficking route entering Indonesian waters," he said.

Nanang also urged the public, especially those in coastal areas, to immediately report to authorities if they find suspicious objects suspected of being related to narcotics.

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