The Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police Again Failed To Smuggle 5 Tons Of Fuel Into Central Sulawesi

The three perpetrators of smuggling pertalite fuel were being questioned by the police. (Between/La Ode Muh Deden Saputra)

KENDARI - Polda Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) again thwarted the alleged smuggling of five tons of pertalite type fuel oil (BBM) and 100 LPG gas cylinders to be brought to Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi (Sulteng).

Head of Sub-Directorate I of the Ditreskrimsus Polda Sultra Kompol Rico Fernanda said his party also secured three units of four-wheeled vehicles each with police numbers DT 1795 XX, DT 1990 DM, and DT 9822 AM which were used to transport fuel and LPG gas.

"We have secured three vehicles carrying government-subsidized fuel, as well as 100 LPG gas cylinders," Rico said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, May 12.

He revealed that the pertalite type fuel was taken from a number of public gas stations (SPBU) in Kendari City and is planned to be sold to Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi.

The police confiscated 121 jerry cans weighing about five tons and 100 LPG gas cylinders measuring three kilograms.

"The plan is that the fuel will be sold to his friends in Central Sulawesi, as well as the LPG gas cylinder," said Rico.

The three perpetrators arrested were FM (34), MD (22), and LD (26). They were arrested in three different locations.

"These three people have different tasks and different crime scenes. They work individually and have their own place of sale in Morowali," said Rico.

The three perpetrators underwent examination for further legal processing. Meanwhile, 121 jerry cans of evidence containing the Pertalite type BBM and 100 3kg LPG gas cylinders and three units of four-wheeled vehicles were secured at the Southeast Sulawesi Police Headquarters.

The perpetrators were charged with Article 55 of Law Number 22 of 2021 concerning oil and gas, with a penalty of six years in prison.