Riau Police Commission Desa Banglas as Resilient Anti-Drug Village

Deputy Chief of Riau Police, Brigadier General Hengki Haryawadi, stated that this strategic step was taken considering the geographical position of Kepulauan Meranti, which borders directly with Malaysia and frequently serves as the main entry point for the circulation of such illicit goods into Riau Province. “This area is the frontline as well as the entry point for drug trafficking from the neighbouring country. Almost all major cases we uncover originate from this route. This is not just a transit point, but our region has become a target market,” said Brigadier General Hengki Haryawadi on Tuesday (5/5/2026). Hengki revealed concerning data regarding the high rate of drug circulation. Over the last 15 months, Riau Police have secured an average of 310 suspects each month. “Even in the first four months of this year, 1,378 people have been arrested,” he added. Hengki stated that law enforcement alone is not sufficient to curb narcotics trafficking. However, community policing is needed, involving all elements of society to jointly prevent drug circulation. With the establishment of this Resilient Anti-Drug Village, it is hoped that Riau will no longer be a target for drug networks. Independent oversight from all elements of society is required to narrow the operational space for dealers through collective supervision. “If our fishermen and coastal communities are vigilant in reporting, international networks will have no gaps to enter,” he added. Zero Tolerance He also emphasised the serious commitment of Riau Police Chief, Inspector General Pol Herry Heryawan, in eradicating drugs by implementing a zero-tolerance policy. Not only targeting civilians, strict actions are also taken internally. It is recorded that over the last four years, 36 Indonesian National Police members in Riau have been dishonourably discharged (PTDH) for involvement in drug networks. “With the Resilient Anti-Drug Village, we affirm that the war against drugs is a shared responsibility, not just a police duty. May this movement spread to all villages in Kepulauan Meranti Regency,” he concluded.