INDOPOSCO.ID – A joint team from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and the Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) intercepted the MT Global 168 on Tuesday (October 20) in waters northeast of Tanjung Siapi-Api, North Sumatra. The vessel was found carrying 1.16 tonnes of ketamine hydrochloride (HCl).
The operation followed a joint analytical investigation launched after the interception of the MV Fuchangxing 1 in September 2026. An analysis of data and intelligence on vessels suspected of transporting narcotics revealed a possible link between the MV Fuchangxing 1 and the MT Global 168. These findings prompted the three agencies to conduct joint surveillance and strengthen coordination ahead of a coordinated enforcement operation.
On Monday (October 19), Customs and Excise, BNN, and Bareskrim Polri agreed to launch an operation to intercept the MT Global 168, deploying Customs patrol vessel BC 20006 and the National Police Security Maintenance Agency’s (Baharkam Polri) patrol vessel KP Murai 4018. The patrol team departed from Kuala Tanjung Port to pursue the vessel and intercept it at a designated rendezvous point.
The following day, Tuesday (October 20), the BC 20006 patrol team successfully intercepted the MT Global 168 and detained its eight crew members, comprising seven Indonesian nationals and one Taiwanese national. According to the crew’s statements, the vessel was carrying 58 sacks suspected of containing a total of 1.16 tonnes of ketamine.
The BC 20006, accompanied by the KP Murai 4018, then escorted the MT Global 168 to Belawan Port for further inspection.
Customs’ K9 unit promptly conducted a ship search. Preliminary tests using the NIK Narcotest Kit and a RIGAKU testing device by Customs officers indicated that the vessel’s cargo contained ketamine hydrochloride (HCl).
The detained crew members are suspected of violating Article 435 of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 12 years and a fine of up to Rp2 billion. Authorities estimate that the seizure could prevent the potential misuse of narcotics affecting approximately 5.8 million people.
Director General of Customs and Excise Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Djaka Budhi Utama said Customs would continue to strengthen surveillance, enhance early detection capabilities, and deepen cooperation with the National Police, BNN, and other relevant agencies to combat ketamine smuggling and the illicit trafficking of narcotics and other prohibited substances.
He said the collaboration between Customs, BNN, and the National Police also demonstrated support for the seventh priority agenda of the government’s Asta Cita program, particularly efforts to strengthen drug prevention and eradication.
Through sustained cooperation, authorities hope to improve efforts to protect the public from the threat of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
“On behalf of Customs and Excise, I would like to express my highest appreciation to the National Police, BNN, and all personnel involved in this operation for their hard work. Let us make this success a momentum to further strengthen collaboration, increase vigilance, and ensure that the state remains present in safeguarding public safety and the nation’s future,” Djaka said in closing. (ipo)
