inp.polri.go.id - Tanjungpinang. The Riau Islands Regional Police are strengthening their collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to prevent and eradicate chemical smuggling through the Chemical Anti-Smuggling Enforcement (CHASE) operation.
Riau Islands Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Suhendri, emphasized his staff's commitment to supporting the operation through prevention, monitoring, and law enforcement measures involving Interpol and relevant agencies.
This commitment was conveyed during a visit by Interpol representatives at the Riau Islands Regional Police Headquarters on Monday (10/26/2026). According to Suhendri, cross-agency collaboration is necessary to close the gap in chemical smuggling, which has the potential to threaten public safety.
Riau Islands Regional Police Vice Chief, Brigadier General Anom Wibowo, also emphasized the importance of information exchange and coordination in uncovering smuggling networks. He noted that chemical misuse can be linked to various crimes, including narcotics crimes.
He expressed his hope that the collaboration between the police, Interpol, and relevant agencies would strengthen the handling of transnational crime while maintaining security in the Riau Islands region.
Meanwhile, Interpol Chemex representative Carlos Lienert explained that Operation CHASE focuses on investigating and eradicating chemical smuggling, including materials potentially used to make explosives and other hazardous substances.
According to him, chemical smuggling also has the potential to be linked to terrorism, narcotics trafficking, illegal mining, and even fishing practices using explosives.
During the operation, officers investigated individuals, cargo, and vehicles suspected of being involved in smuggling activities. Data and information exchange, as well as coordination at the international, national, and regional levels, are crucial to supporting the operation's effectiveness.
Batam is one of the locations for Operation CHASE, given the importance of monitoring cross-border activity in the Riau Islands region.
Separately, the Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Pricillia Ohei, urged the public to play an active role in maintaining public order and security.
She also urged the public to utilize the 110 police hotline, which operates 24 hours a day and is free to access, to request assistance or file complaints with the National Police.
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