Authorities in Indonesia said they have seized at least 70 kilograms of methamphetamine, saying the country is no longer just a transit point for narcotics.
At a press conference in Jakarta Monday, Police Inspector General Tito Karnavian said three Nigerian nationals, including the suspected ringleader, were arrested after bringing the drugs in from China.
Karnavian said it is an "achievement" that police were able to uncover the network was uncovered and take "firm action."
"This is a kind of protection provided by the state to the society since drugs are dangerous for the young generation and also for other members of our society, because our country has now become a market, no longer a transit country for drugs," he said.
He added the alleged traffickers could face punishments ranging from five years in prison to the death penalty depending on the charges brought against them.
Indonesia has executed several people this year for drug trafficking crimes, including foreigners from countries that protested the death penalty for its citizens.
But at a World Anti-Drug Day last week, President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, said there will be no clemency for drug traffickers because of the dangers narcotics pose to Indonesian society.
This report was produced in collaboration with the VOA Indonesian service.
