Batam, indomaritim.com – Indonesia’s Navy destroyed 1,298 kilograms of ketamine seized from the foreign-flagged MV King Sun after authorities foiled a smuggling attempt in waters north of Tanjung Berakit, Riau Islands.
The destruction took place Wednesday at Naval Base IV in Batam, following the seizure announced Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026.
Navy Chief Adm. Muhammad Ali said the operation involved the Navy, National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency, Customs and Excise, and National Narcotics Agency.
“Based on this evidence, we estimate that we have saved 13 million lives from the dangers of potent drug abuse,” he said as cited from Antara News Agency.
All the seized ketamine was destroyed to prevent it from returning to circulation, while authorities continue investigating eight foreign crew members detained aboard the MV King Sun.
Indonesian Food and Drug Authority Chief Taruna Ikrar said ketamine is not currently classified as a narcotic but is legally designated as a specific medicinal drug.
“From a health perspective, the well-being of 13 million Indonesians could have been compromised, as the impact of this drug is extremely dangerous,” Ikrar said.
He also estimated the rehabilitation costs that could have resulted if the ketamine had reached the community.
Assuming a minimum rehabilitation cost of Rp10 million (US$545) per person, the potential cost avoided would be about Rp130 trillion (US$7.1 billion), Ikrar said.
National Narcotics Agency Chief Suyudi Ario Seto said ketamine is not yet classified as a narcotic, making the case the responsibility of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency.
However, his agency is proposing that ketamine be classified as a Schedule II narcotic because of growing misuse, including liquid ketamine in vape cartridges.
“Ketamine is being widely abused, particularly liquid ketamine for vape cartridges. Therefore, we are proposing that ketamine be classified as a Schedule II narcotic,” Seto said.
Three incinerators were used to destroy the seized substance. Operating simultaneously, they were expected to take about 20 hours to destroy the approximately 1.3 tons of ketamine. (RR)
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