"It is believed that drug smugglers who use Riau Islands as distribution lines are from international networks. The total value of the drugs seized by the police has reached billions of rupiahs," Iskandarsyah said.
Tanjungpinang, Riau, Nov 12 (ANTARA) - Riau province is still used as one of the entry points for drug smuggling, Vice Chairman of Riau Legislative Council (DPRD) Iskandarsyah said on Monday.

"The location of Riau Islands is geographically strategic because it is bordered by Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Drug smugglers use this strategic location to their advantage by distributing drugs to various regions, one of them being Jakarta," he said here.

He also said that the Riau police recently managed to catch some drug smugglers from Indonesia, who also smuggled drugs into Malaysia.

"It is believed that drug smugglers who use Riau Islands as distribution lines are from international networks. The total value of the drugs seized by the police has reached billions of rupiahs," he stated.

Besides Riau, Iskandarsyah added that Batam is also a popular drug distribution channel. Police officers have often arrested drug smugglers in the Port of Batam Centre and the Batam Hang Nadim Airport.

"What we see on the television and other mass media are successful drug smuggling cases handled by the police, but we are unaware of the amount of drugs that are successfully distributed by these criminals," he said.

Iskandarsyah believes that after the arrest of the smugglers linked to the 40,000 ecstasy pills� case at the Raja Haji Fisabilillah airport in Tanjungpinang, the Riau police should be more alert when dealing with drug trafficking cases.

"The officers must increase their alertness since Tanjungpinang is considered a safer path for smuggling drugs as compared to other regions," he expressed.

"There were two smugglers who failed to bring drugs to Jakarta from Batam through a flight. Now, the question arises as to why the two criminals brought the drugs from Tanjungpinang instead of Batam. Is it because the surveillance in Batam is stricter than in Riau or is it just a strategy to fool the officers?" he went on.

Therefore, Iskandarsyah believes that the police should increase security at entrances and exits of ports and airports.

"We have immense appreciation for police officers who are fighting to put an end to drug smuggling. However, we also hope that they would improve security and eradicate drug smuggling at its roots," he said. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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