inp.polri.go.id - Serang. The Banten Regional Police foiled an attempt to smuggle 67 kilograms of methamphetamine and confiscated a firearm during several raids at Merak Port, Cilegon City.

"This operation was conducted to maintain public order and security during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming period," said Banten Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Hengki, in Serang on Wednesday (3/25/2026).

He explained that the evidence was secured during several raids throughout March in the port area.

"The 15 kilograms of methamphetamine and a firearm were first seized from two pedestrians at the Merak Executive Pier on March 8 and 12," he said.

The perpetrators allegedly took advantage of the port's crowded conditions to evade officers. However, the attempt was thwarted thanks to X-ray scanners deployed by police to inspect passengers' belongings.

Furthermore, on March 18, officers again seized 52 kg of methamphetamine from a minibus that had just arrived from Sumatra. Police have named three suspects who are strongly suspected of being part of an inter-island drug trafficking syndicate.

"The firearms possession case is currently being handled by the General Crimes Directorate, while the narcotics case, involving a total of 67 kg of methamphetamine, is being investigated by the Banten Regional Police's Narcotics Directorate," he added.

From January to February 2026, the Banten Regional Police recorded 35 drug cases with a total of 54 suspects. This discovery at Merak Port adds to the long list of police successes in suppressing illicit drug trafficking in the Banten region.

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