Polri and BNN seize 1.2 tons of crystal meth from lab in Aceh
A joint operation by Indonesian law enforcement agencies on October 21, 2026, seized 1.2 tons of crystal methamphetamine and liquid meth oil from a clandestine drug laboratory inside a row of shophouses in Pidie, Aceh, according to detikNews. The raid netted 11 suspects, including two foreign nationals from China who were involved in the production process.
How the Pidie Shophouse Laboratory Was Stormed
The operation targeted two locked shophouses in Gampong Ulee Tutue, Mutiara Timur district, as reported by Tribratanews. The buildings had their doors securely padlocked when officers arrived on the afternoon of October 21, 2026. After receiving no response to repeated knocking, the joint team of the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise took the decisive step of forcing open the rear door.
Inside, the lights were turned off and the rooms were shrouded in darkness. Officers found several suspects attempting to conceal themselves behind piles of cardboard boxes in the corners of the rooms. Simultaneously, officers at separate locations arrested five additional suspects affiliated with the ring, identified as RY, RM, RZ, MN, and B.
Scale of Production and International Syndicate Links
According to BNN, the operation recovered 20 drums of liquid meth oil and approximately 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, bringing the total gross weight to 1.2 tons. Kompas reported that the investigation began after intelligence was exchanged between China’s National Narcotics Control Commission and Indonesian authorities regarding shipments originating from Yunnan, China.
The two Chinese nationals, identified as LJ (45) and XM (42), traveled from Yunnan on May 21, 2026, transited through Malaysia, and arrived in Banda Aceh on May 24, 2026, to survey the area before returning to Malaysia in June.
Tim gabungan Bareskrim Polri, BNN dan Bea Cukai menggerebek dua toko di Desa Beureueh Dua, Kecamatan Mutiara Timur, Pidie, Aceh yang diduga merupakan pabrik sabu. Sebanyak 11 orang ditangkap termasuk 2 WNA dan 1,2 ton sabu cair disita. BNN menyebut dua rumah toko (ruko) itu… pic.twitter.com/RLYqXbHoWP
Chief of the Indonesian National Police General Suyudi Ario Seto stated during a press briefing on October 23, 2026, that the syndicate produced a high-grade variation known locally as “blue ice.” The manufacturing setup featured specialized rooms for each stage of production, equipped with 60 cans of Titan Pro, four two-burner stoves, seven 12-kilogram LPG gas cylinders, and three washing machines utilized for the crystallization process.
Aceh Leaders Warn Property Owners After Laboratory Raid
Aceh Deputy Governor H. Fadhlullah, also known as Dek Fadh, accompanied Police Chief Suyudi to the site on October 23, 2026, alongside regional military and intelligence leaders, as detailed by the administration of the Setda Aceh. Dek Fadh expressed appreciation for the joint operation, emphasizing that dismantling the clandestine laboratory protects local communities from the severe threats posed by narcotics.
During the press conference at the site, Police Chief Suyudi issued a direct warning to property owners across the region. He urged landlords and property lessors to exercise extreme caution and verify the identities of individuals renting commercial shophouses or residential properties to prevent illegal operations from taking root in local neighborhoods.
Authorities Pursue Fugitives While Testing Seized Substances
Authorities have initiated forensic laboratory testing to determine the exact purity levels of the seized substances, while storing the liquid meth in airtight, temperature-stable containers to prevent evaporation. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing remaining suspects listed as fugitives, identified by initials Z, ES, J, BR, S, and S. International coordination remains active with China’s National Narcotics Control Commission to locate an alleged primary controller identified as LX.