Another drug smuggling attempt has been successfully stopped by the Riau Regional Police. This time, officers arrested a 29-year-old man identified as SE, who was caught carrying 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, 28 strips of Happy Five pills, and six packs of dried marijuana allegedly smuggled from Malaysia through Pulau Rupat, Bengkalis Regency.
The case was uncovered by the Riau Police Narcotics Directorate (Ditresnarkoba) through the Subdit III team, following a tip-off from local residents. The arrest took place on Thursday (October 16) in the parking area of a hotel on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, East Dumai.
“We received information from residents about a suspicious drug transaction in the area. After confirming the report, our team immediately conducted surveillance and moved in to make the arrest,” said Police Commissioner Putu Yudha Prawira, S.I.K., M.H., Director of Narcotics Investigation for Riau Police, as quoted from Lancang Kuning, Tuesday (October 21, 2025).
During the search, officers found a black backpack containing large packages of methamphetamine branded Guanyinwang, Happy Five pills, and marijuana neatly packed. Police also seized a cellphone and a black sling bag belonging to the suspect.
During questioning, SE admitted that he was only a land courier assigned to deliver the drugs to the buyer. He claimed that the narcotics were sent from Malaysia and entered Indonesia through illegal routes in Pulau Rupat, Bengkalis. In return, SE was promised a payment of Rp100 million once the delivery was completed.
“He admitted this was his first time acting as a courier,” Kombes Putu added.
Currently, SE and all confiscated evidence have been taken to the Riau Police Narcotics Directorate headquarters for further investigation. Police are now tracking down the wider drug distribution network connected to this case.
In his closing statement, Kombes Putu emphasized that law enforcement will continue tightening maritime surveillance in Riau waters, which are often used as entry points for international drug trafficking.
“We will not give any room for drug smugglers. Every attempt will be stopped,” he asserted.
