inp.polri.go.id - Riau. The Riau Regional Police successfully uncovered an international narcotics smuggling network that entered the waters of the Akar Strait in Meranti Islands Regency on Saturday (May 2, 2026). 

During the operation, officers apprehended two suspects, identified as K and S, who were suspected of acting as cross-border couriers.

Riau Regional Police Vice Chief Brigadier General Hengki Haryadi emphasized that narcotics crime poses a serious threat to the nation's future, especially in Riau, which has strategic waterways bordering other countries. 

"Most of the drug cases uncovered originate from abroad. This indicates that Riau's waters are still vulnerable to exploitation by international networks," he said.

As a result of the operation, police seized 27 kilograms of methamphetamine and hundreds of vape cartridges suspected of containing etomidate. Meranti Islands Sub-regional Police Chief Superintendent Aldi Alfa Faroqi explained that the arrest stemmed from public information, which was then followed up through an intensive two-week investigation with Customs and Excise.

During the arrest at sea, officers pursued the suspects using a small boat until they finally managed to stop the perpetrators' speedboat. 

"When stopped, the perpetrators attempted to flee, so firm and measured action was taken. One of the suspects was shot in the leg," explained Aldi Alfa Faroqi.

The Director of Narcotics Criminal Investigation at the Riau Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Putu Yudha Prawira, added that the eastern coast of Sumatra remains a major route for narcotics imports from abroad.

"We continue to strengthen surveillance and develop community-based prevention programs to suppress drug trafficking comprehensively," he said. 

Both suspects have been apprehended, and the case is still being investigated to uncover the wider network.

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