The National Narcotics Agency (BNN), in collaboration with a joint team from the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), successfully apprehended Dewi Astutik in Cambodia. Dewi is identified as the intellectual mastermind behind the smuggling of two tons of methamphetamine in the Riau Islands several months ago.
The joint task force arrested Dewi in Sihanoukville, a coastal city located in western Cambodia. Following her arrest, the BNN promptly facilitated her repatriation to Indonesia this afternoon.
“This operation received full support from the Indonesian Defense Attaché in Cambodia and BAIS TNI, who played a crucial role in mapping cross-country movements and regional coordination,” stated BNN Chief Commissioner General of Police Suyudi Ario Seto in Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday (2/12), as quoted by Antara.
Suyudi elaborated on the chronology of Dewi’s arrest, noting that she was apprehended without resistance while on her way to a hotel lobby in Sihanoukville. “The target was detected in a white Toyota Prius vehicle, and immediate arrest efforts were carried out by the joint team,” Suyudi added.
Despite the success, BNN initially faced difficulties in tracing Dewi due to her frequent international travel across various countries. Consequently, the BNN coordinated extensively with Cambodian security authorities and Interpol to successfully capture the high-profile drug lord.
After her capture, Dewi was transferred to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, for interrogation and identity verification processes. Subsequently, she was repatriated to Indonesia for further legal proceedings.
“Dewi Astutik will undergo intensive examination to uncover the flow of funding, logistics, and other parties involved in this extensive international network,” Suyudi confirmed, highlighting the depth of the ongoing investigation.
It was also revealed that Dewi was arrested alongside a man. Currently, the BNN is actively extracting information and testimonies from this individual as part of their comprehensive inquiry.
Dewi Astutik is implicated as the intellectual mastermind behind the two-ton methamphetamine smuggling operation linked to the infamous Golden Triangle network, which was successfully thwarted in May 2025. She was also listed on the Wanted Persons List (DPO) in South Korea, underscoring her significant role in international illicit drug trafficking.
Summary
The National Narcotics Agency (BNN), with support from BAIS TNI, successfully apprehended Dewi Astutik, a significant drug lord, in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. She is identified as the intellectual mastermind behind the smuggling of two tons of methamphetamine in the Riau Islands, linked to the infamous Golden Triangle network. Despite initial difficulties in tracing her due to frequent international travel, BNN coordinated extensively with Cambodian authorities and Interpol to secure the arrest.
Dewi Astutik was arrested without resistance while in a vehicle and subsequently repatriated to Indonesia after interrogation in Phnom Penh. She was also listed as a Wanted Person (DPO) in South Korea, underscoring her extensive role in international illicit drug trafficking. BNN is now conducting intensive examinations to uncover the full scope of funding, logistics, and other parties involved in her extensive international network, including information from a man arrested alongside her.
