inp.polri.go.id - Merak. The Banten Regional Police's Directorate of Security and Order deployed two sniffer dog units (K9) to check on vehicles traveling home for Eid at the Merak Port Executive Pier on Thursday (3/19/2026).

The deployment of the K9 units was an effort to tighten security and anticipate criminals who intend to exploit the momentum of the homecoming traffic to carry out criminal acts.

The sterilization operation was led by Second Police Brigadier Kevin Sihombing from Banten Regional Police's Animal Control Unit (Bunit Satwa) of the Security and Order Directorate, 

During the operation, the two sniffer dogs thoroughly inspected the parking area and the exterior of vehicles to detect the presence of dangerous or illegal goods before they boarded the ferry.

Kevin explained that the presence of these animal control units was part of a security procedure to provide a sense of security for people traveling home.

Similar security measures were also implemented at other piers and ports that serve as primary crossing routes for travelers.

"Our activities aim to minimize the number of criminals who want to exploit this moment to commit crimes, such as bringing in illegal substances like narcotics or other prohibited substances," said Kevin.

In addition to deploying the K9 Unit, efforts to restrict the movement of drug traffic are also being carried out at other vulnerable points.

The Banten Regional Police Narcotics Unit, along with the Cilegon Sub-regional Police Narcotics Unit, conducted intensive checks of passengers' belongings at the ship's arrival gate located on the second floor of Sosoro Mall.

During these checks, officers used X-ray scanners to ensure that no prohibited items were passing through Merak Port.

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