Indonesian Police Bust Drug Trafficking in Riau Islands and Illegal Sand Smuggling in Belitung

Police in the Riau Islands arrested a suspect in Tanjung Batu, Kundur, after he attempted to discard 376 g of methamphetamine into the sea. The operation, part of six drug investigations conducted between 31 July and 6 August 2026, resulted in 11 arrests and seizures that also included cannabis, ecstasy tablets and vape cartridges.

In Belitung, the regional police identified four individuals as suspects in a scheme to smuggle 52.5 tonnes of illegal sand. The suspects played distinct roles—collector, field operative, financier and warehouse guard—and face charges under multiple mining and criminal statutes, with potential imprisonment of up to five years.