Jakarta. Indonesian police have dismantled six drug trafficking syndicates and arrested 17 suspects in a major operation carried out ahead of the Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) 2025 music festival, held in Bali from Dec. 12–14.

The National Police announced the findings at a press conference in South Jakarta on Monday. Eko Hadi Santoso, director of narcotics investigations, said the operation targeted networks believed to have been preparing to distribute drugs during the international electronic music event, which draws thousands of local and foreign visitors.

Police identified six syndicates involving 17 suspects — 16 Indonesian nationals and one foreign citizen — while seven additional individuals remain at large and have been placed on the police wanted list.

The first syndicate consisted of two couriers, identified by the initials G and AA, and an alleged controller, RA, who remains a fugitive. Investigators seized about 31 kilograms of methamphetamine, 796 ecstasy pills, 135 grams of “happy water,” and 1,066 grams of ketamine from the group.

The second syndicate involved five suspects and two fugitives operating as suppliers and dealers of cocaine, MDMA, ecstasy, marijuana, and other narcotics. From this group, police confiscated 6.53 grams of cocaine, 8.29 grams of MDMA, 12 ecstasy pills, and 6.48 grams of marijuana.

A third syndicate comprised one dealer, identified as AS, and two suspected suppliers who remain at large. Police seized 11.6 grams of cocaine and 45 ecstasy pills in this case.

The fourth syndicate was described as one of the most complex, involving six suspects with distinct roles, including dealers, distributors, and a clandestine ketamine laboratory operator. One of the suspects, identified as MA, is a Peruvian national. Authorities seized cocaine, MDMA, ecstasy in both pill and powder form, marijuana, and ketamine from this network.

In the fifth case, police arrested two suspects accused of supplying and distributing ecstasy, while one alleged supplier remains a fugitive. Evidence seized included small quantities of methamphetamine, ecstasy pills, capsule-form ecstasy, and ecstasy powder.

The sixth and final syndicate involved one suspect accused of distributing ecstasy and “happy five,” with one alleged controller still at large. Investigators said the controller claimed to be an inmate at Kerobokan Prison in Bali, but prison authorities found no record under that name. Police believe the individual may be using an alias and said the investigation is ongoing. Seized items included 65 ecstasy pills and 3.5 “happy five” tablets.

According to Eko, the syndicates used three main methods to distribute drugs: the “drop” system, cash-on-delivery transactions, and bank transfers. Under the drop system, drugs or payments are left at predetermined locations, documented through photos or videos, and then collected by buyers to avoid direct contact and police detection.

“This method is designed to minimize traceability and reduce the risk of arrest,” Eko said.

All suspects have been charged under Indonesia’s strict Narcotics Law, including provisions related to large-scale trafficking and criminal conspiracy. If convicted, they face lengthy prison sentences, including the possibility of life imprisonment.

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