inp.polri.go.id - Makassar. The South Sulawesi Regional Police's Narcotics Investigation Directorate team disrupted the distribution of various types of narcotics and arrested 16 perpetrators based on 12 police reports in the South Sulawesi region.

"The 16 perpetrators were arrested with evidence of 2.56 kilograms of methamphetamine, 250 grams of synthetic tobacco, and 5,665 milliliters of synthetic liquid," said Vice Director of the South Sulawesi Regional Police's Narcotics Investigation Directorate, Superintendent Yudi Prianto, at South Sulawesi Regional Police Headquarters in Makassar on Tuesday (8/11/2026).

He stated that 12 police reports were followed up in early August 2026. Two prominent cases were solved on August 4, 2026, with three crime scenes containing a total of 2.56 kilograms of methamphetamine as evidence.

The busts occurred at the Green Goa Property Housing Complex in Gowa Regency, followed by the BTN Tamangapa Royal Residence in Bantaeng Regency and the BTN Mapasopa Hill Complex in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.

"By uncovering this case and disrupting its distribution, we estimate we have saved approximately 14,000 lives from drug abuse," he said.

On August 5, the team further investigated the distribution of the prohibited goods and seized 5,665 ml, or approximately 5.6 liters, of synthetic liquid narcotics at three crime scenes: Perintis Kemerdekaan street, Hotel Dalton Makassar, and the Griya Patri Abdillah Permai Housing Complex in Gowa.

"From this evidence, we estimate that approximately 35,000 lives have been saved from this synthetic drug," he emphasized.

Regarding the 2.56 kilograms of methamphetamine seized, Yudi said the investigation is still ongoing to determine whether the perpetrators received the goods from an international network or from other networks.

"We are still investigating the two-kilogram methamphetamine case. The external task force has already conducted investigations outside of Makassar. We are still investigating this (international network)," he said.

The main methamphetamine dealer arrested, identified as SY, admitted to being a dealer but previously claimed to be a courier. However, after securing the funds, the perpetrator purchased 3 kilograms and then split them into 1 kilogram for distribution, leaving the remaining 2.56 kilograms unsold.

The distribution of methamphetamine and synthetic liquids, said Yudi, is through a system of sticking or placing them in certain places, after transactions via social media.

(ad/inp/pr/rs)