Two boats intercepted off Harbourbay as Barelang’s Polairud intensifies patrols against drug and alcohol smuggling.
A joint maritime patrol by Barelang Water and Air Police (Sat Polairud) successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle cannabis and illegal liquor through Harbourbay waters, Batam, in the early hours of Wednesday (Oct 8, 2025).
Two Suspicious Boats Intercepted at Sea
The operation began around 12:10 a.m. when a Polairud patrol team spotted two unlit pompong boats moving suspiciously from Tanjung Uma toward the Out Port Limit (OPL) area, a route often used for smuggling. The officers quickly pursued and intercepted both vessels for inspection.
Upon boarding, police discovered that the crew were unable to present valid sailing documents or cargo manifests. Both boats were escorted to the Harbourbay jetty for a thorough examination.
Drugs and Liquor Found Hidden Among Cargo
Investigations uncovered six packets of dried cannabis weighing about 500 grams, hidden among miscellaneous goods on one vessel. The second boat carried multiple boxes of untaxed alcoholic beverages, including Red Label and Iceland whiskey, as well as 30 cartons of Carlsberg and Bintang beer.
The confiscated items were immediately secured as evidence, while the crew underwent interrogation at the Barelang Police station.
Seven Individuals Arrested
The probe revealed that the owner of the cannabis was identified as AFA (25), a resident of Tanjung Uma. Three others — RJL (43), the boat skipper, and crew members HM (52) and IA (23) — were also detained for involvement in narcotics trafficking.
Meanwhile, another three suspects — JMS (43), skipper of KM Pulau Dewata, along with crewmen AD (36) and MR (22) — were arrested for customs violations related to the illegal liquor shipment.
Cases Split for Legal Processing
According to Barelang Polairud Chief Kompol I Kade Dwi Suryawandika, the operation’s success resulted from intensified sea patrols targeting cross-border smuggling activities.
“Both vessels were operating without legal documentation. Upon inspection, we found narcotics and large quantities of alcohol without tax stamps,” he confirmed.
The narcotics case has been handed over to the Narcotics Unit of Barelang Police, while the customs-related offenses are being processed by Batam Customs and Excise Office.
Ongoing Crackdown on Maritime Smuggling
Authorities emphasized their commitment to strengthening maritime surveillance to prevent smuggling activities that threaten public safety and youth well-being.
“We will continue to tighten patrols to stop the flow of illegal goods and narcotics through Batam’s waters,” said Kompol Kade Dwi.
The successful interception highlights Batam’s strategic role in maritime law enforcement and the importance of cooperation between Polairud and Customs to secure Indonesia’s border waters.
The thwarted smuggling attempt in Harbourbay underscores Indonesia’s ongoing fight against illicit trade in the Riau Islands. With increasing patrol vigilance, authorities aim to protect Batam’s maritime borders from becoming a transit point for narcotics and illegal alcohol — reinforcing both national security and community safety.
Sources: Batamnews (2025) , iNews (2025)
Keywords: Barelang Police, Batam, Harbourbay, Cannabis, Illegal Alcohol, Drug Smuggling, Law Enforcement
