Inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. The Riau Regional Police intercepted an attempt to smuggle 18 Myanmar citizens into Malaysia via illegal routes in the Dumai waters on Monday. 

During a press conference on Friday (13/2/2026), Riau Police Head of Public Relations Senior Superintendent Zahwani Pandra Arsyad confirmed that two suspects, identified as MA and FA, were arrested while transporting the undocumented foreigners in rental cars toward a waiting speedboat in Sungai Sembilan.

"The suspects acted as drivers, picking up the migrants in Pekanbaru and delivering them to Dumai under orders from a central agent for a small fee," he said, as cited by antaranews.com.

The Riau Water and Air Police seized two cars and mobile phones as evidence during the sting operation. The 18 Myanmar citizens have been handed over to the Dumai Immigration Office for processing and potential deportation. 

Authorities are currently expanding their investigation to identify the lead agent behind the human smuggling ring..

(mg/inp/pr/rs)