Police Raid Subsidized Fuel Stockpiling for Illegal Mines in Bangka

PANGKALPINANG - The police raided the practice of hoarding subsidized fuel oil (BBM) which was suspected of being used for illegal tin mining activities in Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province.

During the operation, the police intercepted two units of minibus cars carrying around 2 tons of subsidized fuel. The fuel was suspected of being distributed to illegal mining locations.

Head of Public Relations of the Bangka Belitung Islands Police, Kombes Pol Agus Sugiyarso revealed that during the raid, officers secured four perpetrators.

"The suspect is a total of four people who have been secured, three others have been detained at the Bangka Belitung Islands Police Polairud Detention Center," said Kombes Pol Agus Sugiyarso, Friday, April 24.

Agus explained that the four perpetrators were arrested from two different locations. They are suspected of being part of a network of misuse of subsidized fuel in the Bangka region.

"The evidence seized in the ambush amounted to 2 tons, namely 200 liters of solar and 100 liters of pertalite which were planned to be used for illegal mining activities," he explained.

From the results of the preliminary investigation, the perpetrators obtained subsidized fuel by buying it in retail from retailers. The fuel was purchased for Rp. 210,000 per 20 liters, then resold at a price of Rp. 220,000 per 18 liters to the collector.

Furthermore, the fuel was distributed to illegal tin mining locations that were rampant in the area.

Currently, all the perpetrators and evidence have been secured at the Headquarters of the Directorate of Air and Air Police (Ditpolairud) of the Bangka Belitung Islands Police for further legal proceedings.

The perpetrators are threatened with imprisonment of up to 6 years in accordance with the applicable legal provisions regarding the misuse of subsidized fuel.