Indonesian Navy seizes 1.3 tons of suspected ketamine from Tanzanian vessel

The Indonesian Navy, in coordination with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the National Police, and Customs, has intercepted an attempt to smuggle approximately 1.3 tons of suspected ketamine. The seizure occurred in the waters of Tanjung Berakit, Riau Islands, after the KRI Kerambit-627 inspected the Tanzanian-flagged vessel MV King Sun on August 6, 2026.

Authorities discovered the narcotics contained within 65 sacks. The estimated value of the drugs ranges from Rp2.1 trillion to over Rp4.5 trillion (approximately US$254 million), depending on retail price assessments. Officials noted that the seizure could prevent drug abuse by as many as 6.5 million people.

The operation was the result of three months of intelligence monitoring following cross-border information received from Thailand. Eight crew members were detained, including seven Myanmar nationals and one Taiwanese national. Investigations are ongoing to determine the vessel's owners and the ultimate destination of the cargo.