Jakarta, ThedailyID — The Indonesian Navy has intercepted a vessel carrying 1.3 tons of suspected ketamine in the waters off the Riau Islands, preventing what authorities described as a major drug smuggling attempt.
The seizure took place on August 6 after KRI Kerambit-627, operating under the First Fleet Sea Security Task Force, stopped and inspected the MV King Sun, a Tanzania-flagged cargo ship, near Tanjung Berakit.
Initial inspections uncovered 65 sacks containing approximately 1.3 tons of material believed to be ketamine, according to Navy Fleet Commander Adm. Denih Hendrata.
Authorities transferred the vessel to the Fourth Naval Security Command (Kodaeral IV) for further investigation. Investigators are examining the ship, its cargo, and its documentation.
The Navy will also conduct a thorough search of all compartments to determine whether additional illegal goods remain on board.
Officials have not released the final laboratory results confirming the substance.
Authorities estimated the seized shipment could be worth between Rp1.95 trillion and Rp4.55 trillion, depending on market value estimates.
The Navy also said the operation could prevent the drugs from reaching millions of potential users.
The seizure follows a series of major maritime drug interceptions in the Riau Islands, one of Indonesia’s busiest international shipping corridors.
In May 2025, the Indonesian Navy seized more than 4 tons of narcotics in two separate operations conducted within a single week.
