Indonesia weighs tighter ketamine controls after a 1.16-tonne seizure at sea

Summary

Indonesia is considering tighter controls on ketamine as abuse rises and a series of major drug seizures has been reported. A proposed reclassification of the substance has raised concerns that tougher penalties could further strain the country's overcrowded prisons. Last week, police and customs officials intercepted the Mongolian-flagged vessel MT Global 168 in the Malacca Strait and seized 1.16 tonnes of ketamine hydrochloride packed in 58 sacks. National police chief Suyudi Ario Seto also commented on the case, but the available text of the report is cut off before his remarks.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   28 Oct 2026, 12:26 UTCSource ↗

   The South China Morning Post reports that Indonesia is weighing tighter ketamine controls amid rising abuse and major seizures, including police and customs interception of the Mongolian-flagged MT Global 168 in the Malacca Strait with 1.16 tonnes of ketamine hydrochloride.