Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) dismantled a major methamphetamine lab in Aceh on October 21, seizing 1.2 tonnes of narcotics and arresting 11 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, in a joint operation with China’s National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) and Malaysian authorities.
The operation, described as one of the largest transnational drug busts in recent years, targeted a clandestine laboratory in Pidie Regency, Aceh, where authorities discovered 500 kilograms of crystal meth, 20 drums of liquid methamphetamine, and processing equipment. The facility, disguised as a shophouse, was part of a network smuggling meth from Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, according to Indonesian police.
National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto inspected the site on October 23, 2026, and stated, Our police and community have successfully uncovered a large-scale drug network.
The sheer volume of evidence, including 500 kilograms of crystal meth and 20 drums of liquid meth, indicated the site was part of a production chain, not merely a storage facility.
The Raid and Seizure
Authorities raided the site in a coordinated effort involving Indonesia’s BNN, the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim), and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. The operation, conducted across five locations in Aceh, resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.2 tons of narcotics in both liquid and crystal forms. National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto praised the collaboration, stating, Our police and community have successfully uncovered a large-scale drug network.
Two Chinese nationals, identified as LJ and XM, were arrested for allegedly serving as “chemists” who processed liquid meth into crystal form. Indonesian suspects, including MY and MZ, acted as assistant cooks
and logistics providers, while RJ facilitated equipment procurement. The suspects face charges under Indonesia’s 2009 Narcotics Law, with penalties including life imprisonment or fines of up to IDR 2 billion.
In September 2026, the NNCC shared intelligence with Indonesia’s BNN, leading to the joint operation. Chinese authorities arrested seven individuals in China linked to the network, according to an article published on the Indonesian National Police (INP) website. The case is described as the largest transnational drug bust involving cross-border arrests and the most comprehensive dismantling of a criminal network in recent years.
International Collaboration
China’s NNCC played a pivotal role, having first uncovered leads in October 2025 and conducting a year-long investigation. In September 2026, the NNCC shared intelligence with Indonesia’s BNN, leading to the joint operation. Lan Weihong, deputy secretary-general of the NNCC, highlighted the highly professional investigative capabilities
of the collaboration, noting that the operation demonstrated mutual understanding and decisive decision-making.
China mengapresiasi kerja sama dengan Indonesia dan Malaysia dalam membongkar jaringan narkoba lintas negara. Operasi di Aceh pada 21 Oktober 2026 menyita 1,2 ton sabu dan menangkap 18 orang, termasuk 11 tersangka di Indonesia. https://t.co/ZNWaVUGawV
— https://x.com/TRTindonesia/status/2116206097727979722
During the operation, police also searched for two other individuals suspected of involvement in the network. On Wednesday, Lan Weihong, deputy secretary-general of the NNCC, led a Chinese delegation to Jakarta and met with INP Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto to discuss the case. The collaboration between China, Indonesia, and Malaysia demonstrates their shared commitment to combating transnational drug trafficking.
Inside the Lab
Head of the Drug Crime Sub-Directorate, Kombes Zulkarnain Harahap, revealed that the network referred to its product as “blue ice,” a term reflecting its high purity. It’s just a term within the network,
he explained, comparing it to branded tea products. The lab’s operations were traced to a 10-day site survey by the two Chinese nationals in May 2026, followed by months of monitoring by Indonesian and Chinese authorities.
The facility’s scale and sophistication alarmed officials. This was not merely a storage site but part of a production chain prepared by an organized network,
said Erwin Situmorang, head of narcotics interdiction at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. The case has intensified efforts to combat meth labs hidden in commercial buildings, with residents urged to report suspicious activity.
According to Zulkarnain, the network’s product name, “blue ice,” mirrors the terminology used in the TV series Breaking Bad, where high-purity meth is referred to as “blue meth.” He clarified, The term is internal to the network. For example, there are many brands of tea, some with this label, some with that. Now, the quality of their product is recognized as blue ice, according to them.
🔴 Indonesia seizes 2.36 tons of drugs in major bust; 19 arrestedIndonesian authorities seized 1.2 tons of liquid methamphetamine at a clandestine laboratory in Aceh and intercepted 1.16 tons of ketamine valued at $210 million off Sumatra in two operations this week.• Raid on… pic.twitter.com/Am8caqq9oD
— https://x.com/NewsTongueX/status/2113660258958586250
Unanswered Questions
While the operation was hailed as a major success, several questions remain. Police are still pursuing two suspects listed as wanted (DPOs) and investigating the source of funding and narcotics materials. The role of Malaysia’s anti-drugs agency, though acknowledged, has not been fully detailed. The extent of the network’s ties to other regions or previous operations remains unclear.
The case highlights the growing threat of transnational drug trafficking, with China and Indonesia vowing to strengthen cooperation. As Suyudi stated, We will continue to support the Chinese government in uncovering large-scale criminal networks.
The dismantling of the Aceh lab marks a significant step, but the fight against organized drug syndicates remains ongoing.
Blue ice is the term used by the network, indicating that the quality level is quite good. The quality is pure. It’s just a term within the network.