Police Uncover Liquid Meth and Sea-Route Smuggling in Riau Islands
The Narcotics Investigation Directorate of the Riau Islands Police has uncovered the distribution of liquid narcotics packaged to resemble e-cigarette liquid, as well as the smuggling of crystal methamphetamine via sea routes. The revelation indicates that Batam is not only a transit route for narcotics from abroad but has also become a market for trafficking networks.
Director of Narcotics Investigation for the Riau Islands Police, Senior Commissioner Suyono, stated that the liquid containing etomidate, known among perpetrators as liquid meth, is sold for between Rp2.5 million and Rp3 million per cartridge. "The price varies, around Rp2.5 million to Rp3 million per cartridge," he said on Wednesday (15/7).
Despite the relatively high price, police assess that this does not hinder the abuse of the illicit substance. A single cartridge can allegedly be purchased through a pooled fund by several individuals for shared consumption. Distribution also occurs flexibly, with the goods being delivered directly to boarding houses, apartments, and nightlife venues upon the buyer’s request.
"Distribution is quite easy. The goods can be delivered to various locations, including boarding houses and nightlife venues," he said.
Based on investigation results, most of the liquid narcotics circulating in the Riau Islands are suspected to originate from Malaysia. He stressed that Batam is no longer just a stopover point in the narcotics smuggling network; the goods are also marketed and consumed within the Batam area.
"These goods come from Malaysia. However, Batam is not just a transit point. The market is also here," he asserted.
The packaging, which resembles ordinary vape liquid, makes the liquid narcotics difficult to identify. Users can consume it through an e-cigarette, making the activity appear like regular vaping. This situation is a serious concern as vaping becomes increasingly popular, including among students, teenagers, and the younger generation.
In addition to uncovering the liquid narcotics network, the Riau Islands Police also revealed crystal meth smuggling via sea routes using a ship-to-ship transfer modus operandi. In this case, the narcotics syndicate recruited local fishermen to collect packages of meth from another vessel at sea, promising them a payment of Rp30 million.
This case was one of 16 drug abuse and illicit trafficking cases uncovered by the Riau Islands Police Narcotics Directorate during a two-week operation from 30 June to 14 July 2026. Based on the investigation, the suspects were recruited by an individual with the initials ER to pick up packages at sea. They departed using a pompong boat from the Kuala Enok area towards Sungai Guntung, Riau, before heading to waters around Pulau Burung, Karimun Regency. Upon arrival, the suspects waited for instructions from the network controller and were asked to send their coordinates so the carrier vessel could locate them. The syndicate continuously changes smuggling patterns to evade law enforcement surveillance, with sea routes remaining the primary choice due to the numerous entry points that are difficult to monitor comprehensively.