Indonesia Uncovers Drug Supply Chain Linked to Mexican Cartels

12 hours ago 4

February 24, 2026 | 05:00 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has revealed details of narcotics trafficking routes linking Mexican cartels to Indonesia, saying international syndicates operate in the country with support from local networks.

BNN chief Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto said investigators had uncovered several international drug networks connected to Mexican cartels.

“BNN has exposed several international networks linked to the Mexican cartel,” Suyudi said in a written statement on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Mexican Links Traced in 2024

Suyudi said the most recent confirmed trace of narcotics circulation from Mexico in Indonesia was recorded in 2024, when BNN announced the dismantling of 27 drug networks.

One of those networks was allegedly linked to Sinaloa Cartel through an individual identified as Gregor Haas.

However, Suyudi said authorities have not recently detected narcotics shipments directly affiliated with Mexican groups, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Supply Routes and Smuggling Methods

According to BNN, one of the supply chains feeding Indonesia’s drug market originates from the so-called Golden Peacock region, with routes stretching from South America, particularly Brazil and Mexico. The most commonly trafficked drugs include methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, and cocaine.

Suyudi said traffickers exploit complex international routes to move narcotics into Indonesia.

“Sea routes are frequently used because Indonesia is an archipelagic country with many vulnerable maritime border areas,” he said.

Drugs are also smuggled through airports and official seaports, often concealed in various forms to evade detection.

CJNG Leader Killed

Mexican cartels have drawn renewed global attention following the death of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”

According to ABC News, Oseguera Cervantes was fatally wounded during a military operation on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about two hours southwest of Guadalajara. He later died while being transported to Mexico City, Mexico’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.

CJNG, based in the state of Jalisco, is known for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics to the United States.

BNN emphasized that it continues to monitor transnational drug syndicates and strengthen cooperation to prevent Indonesia from becoming a target market or transit hub for international cartels.

Read: Indonesia's BNN Pushes Stricter Vape Regulations Over Abuse Concerns

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google New

ICC Opens Hearing for Philippines Ex-President Duterte

19 jam lalu

ICC Opens Hearing for Philippines Ex-President Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity for allegedly authorizing dozens of murders during his so-called war on drugs.

Indonesia's BNN Destroys 102 Kilograms of Confiscated Drugs

5 hari lalu

Indonesia's BNN Destroys 102 Kilograms of Confiscated Drugs

BNN destroyed drug evidence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, seized from 5 drug-related cases.

Indonesia's BNN Pushes Stricter Vape Regulations Over Abuse Concerns

6 hari lalu

Indonesia's BNN Pushes Stricter Vape Regulations Over Abuse Concerns

BNN calls for tight regulations on vape due to frequent infiltration of narcotics. Several countries have already banned the circulation of electronic cigarettes.

Indonesia Will Not Execute Iranian Death Row Inmates, Says Minister

10 hari lalu