Bareskrim Polri Fails To Smuggle 151 Thousand Lobster Seeds Worth IDR 15 Billion In Bintan Waters

The Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Riau Islands thwarted an attempt to smuggle 151,000 clear lobster seeds or BBL in the waters of Numbing Island, Bintan. From the series of disclosures of the case, four people were named suspects.

"Failed efforts to smuggle 151,000 clear lobster seeds in the waters of Numbing Island, Bintan. This operation is part of a firm step in cutting off the network of cross-border BBL smuggling involving Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam," said the Director of Certain Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Nunung Syaifuddin in his statement, Tuesday, December 3.

The disclosure of the smuggling attempt began when information was obtained regarding the illegal plan to ship BBL by sea.

Then, it was also stated that the fuel packaging to be smuggled was carried out in Jambi on Monday, November 25, 2024. Thus, the information was followed up by holding a marine patrol

"The joint team carried out marine patrols from Karimun to Bintan waters, which are often used as smuggling routes," he said.

This information was also proven by the discovery of a suspicious fast boat carrying 28 boxes. Forced efforts to stop it were made.

After it can be stopped, dozens of boxes are checked. Apparently, it contains hundreds of thousands of BBL to be smuggled.

"The team secured evidence in the form of 151,000 lobster seeds with an estimated state loss of Rp. 15.1 billion," he said.

From the disclosure, four people were named as suspects. They have the initials SL, DK, SY, and JN who have different roles.

For SL, he acts as the operator of the ship's engine; DK as the coordinator of the route and direction; SY captain of the ship; and JN: Ship engine operator.

"The results of the investigation show that this network collects lobster seeds from various regions, such as East Java, West Java, Banten, Lampung, and West Sumatra," he said.

"After that, the seeds were sent to collection points in Jambi, South Sumatra, and Riau. For overseas delivery, the perpetrators used the boat-to-ship method to transfer from fishing boats to high-speed fast boats," continued Nunung.

In this case, the suspects are charged with Article 88 in conjunction with Article 16 paragraph (1) and/or Article 92 in conjunction with Article 26 paragraph (1) of Law no. 31 of 2004 concerning Fisheries which has been amended through Law no. 45 of 2009 and Law no. 6 of 2023. The maximum penalty is 8 years in prison and a fine of IDR 1.5 billion.