Qaplo (Balikpapan) – The 3rd Team of the Narcotics Investigation Directorate (Ditresnarkoba) of the East Kalimantan Regional Police has uncovered a home-based methamphetamine production operation in Balikpapan City, suspected to be linked to an international drug trafficking network. During the operation, police discovered a mini laboratory along with raw materials used to manufacture meth, which are believed to have originated from Malaysia. The Director of Narcotics Investigation at the East Kalimantan Police, Commissioner Kombes Pol Romy Tamtelahitu, stated that the case began with the arrest of a female suspect identified as AS on Tuesday (April 28). From the suspect, officers confiscated two packages of methamphetamine weighing 6.23 grams and 5.29 grams (gross weight), respectively. “Following further investigation, AS was found to be acting as an accomplice of a man identified as OH,” Romy said in a statement received by ANTARA in Balikpapan on Sunday. Based on the findings, the 3rd Team of Ditresnarkoba immediately conducted a raid on OH’s residence. During the search, police discovered a mini laboratory inside the suspect’s bedroom that was being used to independently produce methamphetamine. Further investigation revealed that OH is a repeat offender in drug-related cases. He admitted to officers that he produced meth for distribution across several areas in East Kalimantan. In addition to production equipment, police also seized various raw materials suspected to have been supplied from Malaysia. Authorities strongly suspect that the activity is part of an international drug trafficking network. “At the location, we found equipment and raw materials for meth production. The supplies came from Malaysia and are believed to be connected to an international network,” Romy explained. The suspect has been charged under Article 114 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 112 paragraph (2) of Indonesia’s Narcotics Law No. 35 of 2009, as well as Law No. 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Penalty Adjustments. The East Kalimantan Police reaffirmed that combating narcotics remains a top priority to protect the public from drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Police also urged the public to actively report any indications of drug distribution in their surroundings through the 110 hotline or other official complaint channels.
