The North Sumatra Regional Police (Poldasu), together with the Langkat Police and Binjai Police, uncovered 429 narcotics cases during the period from January 1st to August 19th, 2025.
As a result, 534 suspects were apprehended, with an estimated 1.53 million lives saved and the economic value of the thwarted narcotics reaching Rp 298.3 billion.
It was emphasized that the eradication of drugs is not just a routine operation, but a national agenda, particularly the seventh point of the Asta Cita program: prevention and eradication of corruption, drugs, gambling, and smuggling.
“This is in line with the instruction to order all ranks to wage a relentless war against drugs, from upstream to downstream, both from the supply and demand sides,” it was stated.
It was explained that the disclosure of cases in Langkat and Binjai shows five main modus operandi often used by drug syndicates:
- Transactions via sea and land routes using modified fishing vessels
- Hidden warehouses in border areas disguised with other activities
- Utilization of social media and COD systems for fast and hard-to-track transactions
- Night entertainment venues that openly serve as arenas for drug transactions
- Use of minors as lookout teams at the entrances of night entertainment locations, equipped with communication devices to warn the syndicate if police move in
“This is not just an ordinary crime, but a well-organized and layered network. The syndicates do not hesitate to involve children as their ‘living radars’,” it was stressed.
From a number of disclosures, two were the most surprising. First, the arrest of a fishing vessel in the waters of Langkat carrying a load of 190 kilograms of crystal meth.
The illicit goods were hidden by modifying the ship’s hull, making them almost invisible. Police even struggled for 6 hours at sea before successfully securing the vessel.
Second, the uncovering of three night entertainment venues in Langkat and Binjai operating as centers for drug transactions. Ironically, the management and waitstaff were directly involved by openly offering drug packages to visitors.
Police also found secret shacks around the location used as places to consume the illicit substances.
“We are investigating this fact. Whether these shacks are connected to the night entertainment owners or if there is another network controlling them,” it was revealed.
One major case was detailed. An L300 vehicle passing through Jalinsum, Tanjungpura District, was stopped by officers. From inside a passenger’s bag, 20 plastic packages of crystal meth were found, neatly wrapped with brown duct tape.
It was revealed that from January to August 2025, 160 drug cases were handled with a total of 218 suspects. Secured evidence included 2.1 kg of crystal meth, 105 grams of marijuana, and 1,256 ecstasy pills.
Regular “Raid Drug Nests” operations were also conducted in barracks and night entertainment locations. From these operations, police found hidden nests used as places for drug parties.
The Greatest Social Sin
High appreciation was conveyed to the police ranks. Drugs were called the “greatest social sin” because they are a tool that destroys the younger generation.
“If drugs continue, it is the same as digging the nation’s grave. I ensure the Langkat Regency Government is ready to fully support the National Police, the National Narcotics Agency, and all parties to eradicate it. Do not hesitate to involve us,” it was emphasized.