Kodaeral VIII Disrupts the Smuggling of 1 Ton of Cyanide from the Philippines Worth Rp1 Billion

JAKARTA - The VIII Regional Command of the Navy (Kodaeral) thwarted an attempt to smuggle one ton of cyanide carried by foreign nationals (WNA) from the Philippines in the waters of North Sulawesi. From the disclosure of the case, the country is estimated to have avoided potential losses of more than Rp1 billion.

The enforcement operation was carried out by the QR-8 Kodaeral VIII Team on Friday, June 12, 2026 after receiving intelligence information regarding cross-border smuggling activities in the waters of North Sulawesi.

The commander of Kodaeral VIII, Rear Admiral TNI Muda Dery Triesananto Suhendi, said the perpetrator used a white-blue pumpboat ARRIL from the Philippines and raised the Indonesian flag to disguise his activities.

"From the results of the examination, the team found a number of illegal goods that were suspected of being smuggled into Indonesian territory," said Dery at a press conference at Joglo Makodaeral VIII, Saturday.

The evidence seized included 20 sacks of cyanide (CN) weighing 50 kilograms each or a total of about 1,000 kilograms. In addition, officers also seized alcoholic beverages in the form of two bottles of Tanduay, two bottles of Fundador one liter, and four bottles of Mojito one liter.

Not only that, the joint team also secured three Yamaha-brand 18 PK-powered mopeds that were on the boat.

According to Dery, the total potential loss of the state due to the circulation of illegal goods that have been successfully thwarted is estimated to reach IDR 1,008,420,000.

"The total potential loss of the state due to the circulation of illegal goods is estimated to reach Rp. 1,008,420,000," he said.

The press conference to reveal the case was also attended by the Deputy Commander of Kodaeral VIII, Inspector of Kodaeral VIII, Asintel Kodaeral VIII, Asops Kodaeral VIII, Head of the Information Service of Kodaeral VIII, Head of the Legal Service of Kodaeral VIII, Dantim Intel Kodaeral VIII, representatives of the Regional Intelligence Agency (Binda) North Sulawesi, and the North Sulawesi Customs Office.