Riau Police Foil Smuggling of 6.94 Kg of Meth and 969 Drug Vapes from Malaysia

The Narcotics Directorate of the Riau Regional Police has once again thwarted a drug smuggling operation involving a Malaysian network. A male dealer with the initials IM (24) was arrested along with evidence comprising 6.94 kilograms of methamphetamine and 969 drug vapes. Director of Narcotics Investigation at the Riau Police, Senior Commissioner Putu Yudha Prawira, explained that the case began with information received by the Operations Team of Sub-directorate III of the Riau Narcotics Investigation Directorate on Saturday (30/5) regarding plans to smuggle methamphetamine from Malaysia via Bengkalis Regency. Acting on the tip-off, the team travelled to Bengkalis Regency to conduct an investigation, coordinating with Bengkalis Customs to monitor the waters of Teluk Latak. A sweep was carried out until the early hours of Monday morning, but the intended target had not been located. After profiling and deepening their information, the team obtained an indication that the target had already moved towards Pekanbaru. At around 1.00 p.m. local time, officers received information that the target would conduct a transaction at a hotel on Jalan Imam Munandar in Pekanbaru. The team then moved to the location and secured IM, who was inside a white Honda Brio. From the vehicle, officers discovered two bags bearing the World Star logo containing seven large packages of methamphetamine weighing approximately 6.94 kilograms and 969 Yakuza-brand etomidate cartridges. In addition to the narcotics, police also seized one Honda Brio and two mobile phones believed to have been used in the drug trafficking activities. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the drug distribution network and trace other parties suspected of involvement in the smuggling of these illicit goods. Police estimate the seized narcotics could save about 35,680 lives from the dangers of drug abuse. The total economic value of the confiscated narcotics is estimated to reach IDR 9,849,150,000 had they been circulated in the community. Based on the statement of suspect IM, the final destination of the narcotics was not yet known as he was still awaiting orders from an individual named Long Chu, who remains under investigation. The suspect also admitted to having been ordered to pick up narcotics on three occasions. For the first and second deliveries, IM received a fee of IDR 2 million each. For the third delivery, the suspect had not yet been paid as the fee is handed over after the job is completed. For his actions, the suspect faces charges under Article 114 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 119 paragraph 1 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics and/or Article 609 paragraph 2 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code in conjunction with the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 1 of 2026 on Penal Adjustment, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.