Indonesia seizes 2.6 tons of methamphetamine from vessel

Indonesian authorities intercepted the Tanzania-flagged vessel MV Ocean Porter off the coast of Sumatra, seizing approximately 2.6 tons of liquid methamphetamine. The operation was conducted by a joint task force including the National Narcotics Agency, customs officials, and Riau Islands police following intelligence that the ship was transporting narcotics from Sarawak, Malaysia.

Investigators discovered the methamphetamine hidden within eight drums and the vessel’s water tanks. Ten Myanmar nationals, who were part of the ship's crew, were detained and are currently under investigation as authorities attempt to dismantle the international trafficking network involved. Officials noted that the vessel may have previously operated under the name MV Rain Maker to evade detection.

This seizure is described as one of the largest drug busts in Indonesia this year. It follows another significant narcotics interception less than two weeks ago near Bintan island, where 1.3 tons of ketamine were confiscated.