On 13 May 2025, the Indonesian Navy intercepted and detained a fishing vessel in the waters of Selat Durian near Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands Province, after observing suspicious activity. The vessel, identified as Aungtoetoe 99, was found without fishing gear or cargo, prompting a search that revealed a large quantity of illegal narcotics.
According to information relayed by the Office of the Assistant Naval Attaché of Thailand in Jakarta and confirmed by the Maritime Interests Protection Center (MCO), Indonesian authorities discovered approximately 1.9 tonnes of drugs aboard the ship. The haul consisted of 705 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1.2 tonnes of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than 7 trillion Indonesian rupiah, or roughly USD 428 million.
Five individuals on board were arrested, including one Thai national believed to be the ship’s controller and four crew members from Myanmar. None of the detained individuals were carrying identification documents. The group is currently being held in Batam, and the case has been transferred to Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency for further investigation into the source of the drugs and potential trafficking networks.
Despite reports labeling the Aungtoetoe 99 as a Thai vessel, the MCO reported that no corresponding ship was found in Thailand’s maritime registry. Authorities are working with both domestic and international agencies to determine the vessel’s actual registration and ownership.
Officials present during the operation included representatives of the Indonesian Navy and Thai maritime authorities who are continuing coordination efforts as investigations proceed.
