Customs and Bengkalis Police Thwart Smuggling of 13 Kilograms of Methamphetamine at Air Putih Ro-Ro Port
Bengkalis Customs, as part of the Elang Malaka Team alongside the Riau Regional Customs Office and the Narcotics Investigation Unit of Bengkalis Police Resort, foiled a narcotics smuggling attempt on Saturday (21/3/2026) at the Air Putih Ro-Ro Port in Bengkalis Regency.
In the operation, officers secured 13 packets of methamphetamine (sabu) narcotics weighing a total of 13.5 kilograms, along with 373 etomidate cartridges, found inside a vehicle.
Two suspects, initials HS (32) and DS (44), were also detained as the vehicle queued to cross via the Ro-Ro ship to Palembang.
The case was uncovered following information received by the Elang Malaka Team on Friday night (20/3/2026) regarding plans to ship a large quantity of narcotics from Malaysia through Bantan Village in Bengkalis.
Acting on the intelligence, officers conducted surveillance at several high-risk crossing points and eventually identified the suspicious vehicle.
Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers discovered the narcotics packages concealed inside.
Based on initial interrogation, the two suspects admitted to being instructed by an individual with initials J, currently a wanted person (DPO), to transport the goods to Palembang in exchange for money.
From the operation, the total value of the seized items is estimated at Rp 14.99 billion.
This success is projected to save around 67,873 lives from potential narcotics abuse, while also preventing state losses estimated at Rp 60.55 billion in rehabilitation costs.
Head of Bengkalis Customs Office, Novryansyah, stated that all evidence items along with the two suspects have been handed over to Bengkalis Police Resort for further investigation and development.
“This operation is a tangible manifestation of inter-agency synergy in enforcing Law No. 17 of 2006 on Customs and Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics,” he added.
Through such monitoring and enforcement efforts, Customs continues to affirm its role as a community protector committed to safeguarding society from the threats of narcotics circulation and other dangerous goods.