Crashed car on Indonesian toll road found with 34 packets of suspected narcotics after driver flees

LAMPUNG, INDONESIA: Patrol officers on Indonesia’s Bakauheni–Terbanggi Besar (Bakter) Toll Road discovered 34 packets of suspected narcotics inside a crashed vehicle early on 20 November 2025, according to Antara.

The incident was identified during a routine sweep by the Bravo Patrol Team, comprising security personnel from Korem 043/Garuda Hitam (Gatam) and the Lampung Police Highway Patrol.

According to M. Alkautsar, Public Affairs Manager of HKA Bakter, the patrol team encountered a Nissan X-Trail bearing licence plate D 1160 UN in a severely damaged state.

The vehicle had been left unattended on the fast lane near KM 136 B at approximately 5:35 a.m. local time.

Alkautsar, quoted by state news agency, said the driver was not present when officers arrived at the scene, prompting a wider search of the surrounding area.
“When officers arrived, the vehicle was already in a crashed condition and the driver was nowhere to be found,” Alkautsar said.

During their inspection of the vehicle, officers found a large blue bag in the cabin.
Inside it were five smaller bags—three brown, one maroon, and one blue—raising suspicions.

In coordination with police authorities, the patrol team opened the bags and found 34 packets of substances believed to be narcotics, according to Alkautsar.

“During the inspection process, our officers found several bags which, when opened together with police authorities, revealed 34 packets suspected to be narcotics,” Alkautsar confirmed.

He confirmed that all seized evidence has been transferred to the police for further investigation, including forensic analysis and tracing of possible trafficking networks.

Officers are continuing efforts to locate the missing driver, who they believe may have fled the scene before the patrol team arrived.

Alkautsar noted that toll road patrols serve a broader purpose beyond supporting traffic operations.
He said the officers’ surveillance work is essential in helping law enforcement uncover illegal activities along strategic transport routes in Sumatra.

He stressed that the discovery highlights the importance of close coordination between highway patrol units and police, especially in preventing misuse of toll road infrastructure for criminal purposes.

Alkautsar added that HKA Bakter remains committed to supporting police operations and maintaining safety along the toll corridor.

He stated that toll road operators prioritise both mobility and security, ensuring that the route remains safe for road users while assisting efforts to curb illicit activities.

“We are committed to maintaining safety and security along the toll road. Beyond ensuring smooth mobility for users, we fully support law enforcement efforts to prevent criminal activities, including narcotics distribution,” Alkautsar said.

Police in Lampung Province are continuing their investigation into the suspected trafficking attempt.