Kapolri, Jenderal Pol Suyudi Ario Seto and the largest crystal meth laboratory in Indonesia.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The Kapolri, Jenderal Pol Suyudi Ario Seto, has revealed the details of an investigation and subsequent enforcement operation targeting a clandestine laboratory—purportedly the largest of its kind in Indonesia—used for the production of methamphetamine (crystal meth).

The laboratory is alleged to have the capacity to produce 1,2 tons of methamphetamine.

Jenderal Pol Suyudi stated, that the case came to light following the monitoring of a China-based narcotics network, which began in February 2026. The investigation expanded to identify the supply routes for raw materials, the movements of the suspects, and preparations for narcotics production in Aceh.

“In February 2026, a narcotics network originating from China was detected. It was transporting hundreds of kilograms of liquid methamphetamine—traveling from northern Myanmar, through Laos and Thailand, before reaching its final destination: Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on May 18, 2026,” he said during a press conference in Pidie, Aceh, on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Through this investigation, police identified two Chinese nationals suspected of serving as the primary chemists for the narcotics production. The individuals, identified as LJ (45) and XM (42), traveled from China, transited through Malaysia, and arrived in Banda Aceh to assess the local situation.

“On May 21, 2026, the two Chinese nationals—acting as the lead ‘cooks’ or chemists, identified as suspects LJ (45) and XM (42)—traveled from Yunnan, China. They transited through Malaysia before entering Banda Aceh on May 24, 2026. The two suspects stayed at a hotel in Banda Aceh for 10 days, conducting a survey of the area, before returning to Malaysia on June 2, 2026,” Jenderal Pol Suyudi explained.

The network resumed its narcotics shipments in late July 2026. This time, the quantity of liquid methamphetamine involved was estimated to be nearly one ton. To evade detection by authorities, the liquid was disguised inside the packaging of certain canned products.

“In late July 2026, the two foreign nationals initiated a second shipment—approximately one ton of liquid methamphetamine—following the same route used in the first instance. The liquid was concealed within green cans branded ‘Itanpro’ to deceive officials,” stated Jenderal Pol Suyudi.

By October 2026, the movements of the suspects were once again being monitored. LJ and XM traveled from China to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to meet with an Indonesian national identified by the initial ‘B.’ During this trip, they reportedly received assistance with accommodation and lodging from another suspect.

“On October 15, 2026, suspects LJ and XM traveled from Kunming, China, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 14:40 local time. They met with suspect B, an Indonesian citizen. While in Malaysia, LJ and XM were assisted by suspect MN, who provided them with accommodation and lodging,” he explained.

On October 16, the investigation continued with the tracking of suspect B’s journey from Kuala Lumpur to Banda Aceh. B subsequently traveled toward Samalanga, in the Bireuen Regency of Aceh.

A day later, LJ, XM, and MN arrived in Banda Aceh. They were picked up by suspect RI in a black Toyota Innova Reborn. The group then headed to a shophouse in the Jenep area, while another vehicle was also observed arriving at the same location at a different time.

“On Saturday, October 17, 2026, suspects LJ, XM, and MN landed in Banda Aceh and were subsequently picked up by suspect RI in a black Innova Reborn. During the journey, the Innova made a stop at a restaurant, and at 22:26 WIB, it arrived at a shophouse in Jenep. At 03:00 WIB, a Fortuner arrived at the same location,” said Jenderal Pol Suyudi.

He continued, noting that on October 18, a Fortuner SUV was observed traveling from the direction of Medan. At that time, LJ contacted his superior in China—identified by the initials LX—to report that the production of crystal methamphetamine (meth) had begun.

A day later, the group in the Fortuner transferred several suitcases and boxes into a white Honda Jazz, which was allegedly being used to receive the supplies.

“On October 19, at 12:51 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB), the group in the Fortuner moved the suitcases and boxes into the white Honda Jazz, which served as the vehicle for receiving the logistics,” added Jenderal Pol Suyudi.

After gathering intelligence on the network’s movements, the joint task force finalized an enforcement plan on October 21, 2026. The operation was carried out the following day across several locations in Aceh.

“At 12:19 PM WIB, the joint team received information that suspects LJ and XM were at a shophouse on Jalan Dayah Tanoh, Mutiara Timur District, Pidie Regency. At 2:40 PM WIB, the joint team executed an enforcement action at the shophouse on Jalan Dayah Tanoh, Mutiara Timur District, Pidie Regency, as well as at four other locations in Bireuen, North Aceh, and Lhokseumawe,” explained Jenderal Pol Suyudi.

During the operation at the shophouse in the Pidie area, officers arrested LJ and several others. The joint team also secured a site suspected of being a clandestine narcotics laboratory, along with various pieces of evidence. (Bembo)