Drug Trafficking in Riau Involves International Network, Task Force Deployed

Pekanbaru, VIVA – The Riau Provincial Government, together with TNI-Polri and various stakeholders, has demonstrated its seriousness in combating drugs. This was marked by the Readiness Roll Call for the Anti-Drug Task Force held in the courtyard of the Riau Governor’s Office on Saturday, 25 April 2026.

The roll call serves as an affirmation that the war against drugs in Riau has entered a serious phase, in line with the increasing threats that are no longer on a local scale but cross-border.

The event was attended by cross-sectoral forces. From the TNI, there were combined elements from the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Meanwhile, from Polri, it involved various units, starting from Brimob, Samapta, Polairud, Traffic, to functions such as General Criminal Investigation, Special Criminal Investigation, and Narcotics Investigation.

Not only that, the roll call also involved various other agencies such as the Provincial and Regency/City National Narcotics Agency, Kesbangpol, Satpol PP, Customs, Correctional Institutions, Avsec, to community elements like the National Anti-Drug Movement (GRANAT).

Acting Governor of Riau, SF Hariyanto, in his speech, emphasised that narcotics crime in his region is already very concerning because it involves an international network.

“This is extraordinary; narcotics crime occurs across countries. We hope this Task Force can carry out its duties and save the people of Riau,” said Hariyanto.

He stressed that the situation requires extraordinary measures, including concrete cross-sectoral collaboration to protect the community, especially the younger generation.

“Therefore, concrete and collaborative steps are needed to save our community, especially our youth, from the drug threat,” he said.

Meanwhile, Riau Police Chief Herry Heryawan described the formation of the Anti-Drug Task Force as a strategic step in strengthening the state’s response to increasingly complex narcotics threats.

According to him, the incident in Panipahan some time ago served as a serious alarm that drug problems not only impact legal aspects but also have the potential to disrupt public security and order.

“This is a concrete answer to public concerns. The state must not lose to drug networks. All existing forces today are consolidated to act quickly, measurably, and in a coordinated manner,” said the Police Chief.