PEKANBARU - Between early 2024 and October 2024, the Riau Regional Police's Narcotics Research Directorate detained hundreds of individuals in narcotics cases.

In detail, the number of cases and suspects from January to November 19 2024, the number of reports was 2,185 cases with a total of 3,220 suspects.

The evidence that was seized was 428,982.48 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 171,304 ecstasy pills, 37,085.46 grams of marijuana and 7,228.5 grams of Happy Five pills.

Meanwhile, for money laundering crime data reports from January 1 to November 19 2024, the number of cases was four reports with four suspects. Meanwhile, the total value of the assets confiscated was IDR 2,324,600,000.

The Head of the Riau Regional Police, Inspector General of Police Mohammad Iqbal, joined by the Directorate of Narcotics Research, Police Commissioner Manang Soebekti, expressed his thanks to all Riau Regional Police officers who have earnestly worked to combat drug trafficking.

This is in accordance with the Nawacita program of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, to eradicate drugs throughout Indonesia.

“We hope that the Riau region will be free from drug entanglement,” said the Regional Police Chief, Thursday (21/11/2024).

He went on to say that as a law enforcement official, the Riau Regional Police should not be overconfident about their accomplishments.

“We must continue to raise the flag of war on drugs. Let's fight drugs together,” said M Iqbal.

Meanwhile, the Riau Regional Police's Directorate of Drug Investigation, Police Commissioner Manang Soebekti, invited the public, especially the younger generation, to unite together to fight and stay away from drugs.

“Protect yourself, your family and the environment from the dangers of drugs. All elements of society must unite against drugs. Because drugs are our common enemy,” said Manang.

Manang said, in eradicating illicit drug trafficking, the Riau Regional Police is collaborating with a number of stakeholders or other agencies. His group, he added, also expects that the community would actively participate in removing illegal items.

“We also really hope for community participation in improving drug trafficking law enforcement,” he explained.

From the results of an in-depth investigation of the suspects, most of them are part of an international drug trafficking network.

Most are from Malaysia. Manang emphasized that his party continues to pursue then perpetrators, including the big dealers.

According to Manang, the Riau region directly borders Malaysia, as well as the existence of small ports in coastal areas, such as in Bengkalis, Dumai and Rohil, making Riau an easy target for drug criminals.

Apart from being a target for distribution, Riau is also a place to import drugs to be taken to other areas in Indonesia.

“As a result, the police, local administration, and community must work together more effectively,” he explained.

He said that the Riau Regional Police appreciated the active participation of the community in providing information related to drug trafficking so far.

Apart from taking action, the Riau Regional Police also continues to make efforts to prevent and rehabilitate drug abusers.(release)