Soekarno-Hatta Police and Customs Foil International Ketamine Smuggling Attempt

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Authorities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have thwarted an international drug smuggling operation involving ketamine worth an estimated IDR10.9 billion (USD 670,000). The suspect, identified as WNK, a Hong Kong national, was arrested after arriving on a flight from Paris via Dubai.

Police Chief of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Sr. Com. Wisnu Wardana, said the woman is believed to have acted as a courier for an international narcotics network. Officers seized 10.8 kilograms of ketamine concealed in her luggage, hidden among clothing and packaged to resemble health supplements.

“The modus operandi was to disguise the drugs inside passenger baggage arriving from overseas,” Wisnu explained on Thursday, June 11, 2026. He added that the seizure potentially prevented the misuse of ketamine by more than 21,000 people, based on an estimated consumption of 0.5 grams per user.

Wisnu urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected circulation of illegal drugs.

Head of Soekarno-Hatta Customs, Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, credited the successful operation to close cooperation between customs officers and the airport’s narcotics unit. “We continue to monitor international passengers entering Indonesia,” he said.

The case unfolded in the early hours of March 30, 2026, at Terminal 3. Officers became suspicious of a silver suitcase belonging to the suspect. Upon inspection, they discovered 199 packages labeled as Fit Lane Basics supplements, which in fact contained ketamine powder weighing a total of 10,798 grams.

Narcotics Unit Chief Adj. Com. Michael Tandayu said the suspect attempted to disguise the drugs in supplement packaging to evade detection. Investigators believe she was acting under instructions from another Hong Kong national, identified only as S, who is now a fugitive.

“We suspect WNK is a courier in this international drug trafficking network. We are also pursuing S, who allegedly coordinated the shipment from abroad,” Michael stated.

The suspect has been charged under Articles 435 and 436(2) of Indonesia’s Health Law No. 17/2023, concerning the distribution of pharmaceutical products that fail to meet safety standards. She faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 5 billion. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)