inp.polri.go.id - Pidie. The police, along with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and Customs and Excise, uncovered an underground methamphetamine production laboratory suspected of being part of an international narcotics network in Pidie Regency, Aceh.
During the operation, officers seized nearly 1.2 gross tons of narcotics, making it the largest illegal laboratory bust in Indonesia.
The raids were conducted simultaneously on October 21, 2026, at five locations across Pidie Regency, Bireuen, North Aceh, and Lhokseumawe City.
The raids stemmed from the development of intelligence information and the monitoring of the network and logistics suspected of being used to produce methamphetamine.
In a shophouse in Mutiara Timur District, Pidie Regency, officers discovered an underground laboratory suspected of being used to process meth oil, or liquid methamphetamine, into crystal methamphetamine.
From the location, officers confiscated 20 drums of meth oil, approximately 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and several pieces of production equipment.
In total, the evidence seized in the operation totaled nearly 1.2 gross tons. The 11 people arrested comprised two foreign nationals and nine Indonesian citizens.
Investigators are still investigating their respective roles and possible links to an international narcotics network.
Based on preliminary investigations, the liquid narcotics are suspected to have traveled from Southeast Asia before arriving in Aceh.
A joint team then monitored the movements of several individuals suspected of involvement until they discovered a location used as a clandestine laboratory.
The Indonesian National Police (INP) Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto expressed his appreciation for the inter-agency cooperation and public support in the investigation.
"I congratulate you on this drug bust operation, which has helped our future generation. We and the community have succeeded in uncovering a large-scale drug network," said Suyudi in Pidie, Friday (10/23/2026).
He also appealed to the public, especially owners of shophouses, rental properties, and homes, to ensure the identities and activities of their tenants are accountable.
Investigators are still investigating the network involved, pursuing several individuals on the wanted list (DPO), and tracing the alleged flow of proceeds from the crime. INP, together with related agencies, will also coordinate with foreign authorities to uncover the network's connections.
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