The Indonesian Navy Command (Koarmada RI) prevented a drug smuggling attempt through sea routes in the waters off Tanjung Berakit, Riau Islands. The discovery began when KRI Kerambit-627 inspected the Tanzanian-flagged vessel MV King Sun on Thursday, 6 August.
Based on initial inspection, 65 sacks weighing approximately 1.3 tonnes, suspected to contain ketamine, were found, according to Indonesian Navy Command Chief Rear Admiral Denih Hendrata. The MV King Sun was then handed over to Naval Regional Command IV for further investigation and examination of the vessel, cargo and documentation.
Using an estimated price of 1.5 million to 3.5 million rupiah per gram of methamphetamine, the 1.3 tonne evidence is estimated to be worth between 1.95 trillion and 4.55 trillion rupiah, or approximately 108.96 million to 254.30 million US dollars, Denih said. Navy investigators will conduct a thorough inspection of all compartments and cargo holds to ensure there are no other prohibited items.
With the assumption that one gram of methamphetamine can be consumed by five people, securing the 1.3 tonne evidence is estimated to have prevented abuse by approximately 6.5 million users. The drug case discovery in Riau Island waters is part of the Navy's ongoing operation to combat drug smuggling through sea routes.
In May 2025, the Navy uncovered methamphetamine smuggling in two separate operations. On 14 May, the Fleet One Quick Response Team from Tanjung Balai Karimun Naval Base prevented 2.061 tonnes of drug smuggling, and on 21 May, KRI Surik and KRI Selea secured 2 tonnes of methamphetamine from another smuggling vessel.
