Batam Customs Sets Suspect Of Smuggling 22 Tons Of Tin Sand To Thailand

Batam Customs and Excise released the results of customs and excise prosecutions during the period August 1 to September 7 at the Batam Class B Customs Main Service Office, Thursday (11/9/2025). (ANTARA/Laily Rahmawaty.)

BATAM - Batam Customs and Excise has named one suspect in the alleged 22-ton tin sand smuggling case that was carried using an Advanced Motor Ship (KM) Developing from Bangka Belitung to Thailand without any customs documents.

"The smuggling case that was prosecuted while passing through the Natuna Waters, Riau Islands is under investigation by the Batam Customs and Excise, and one suspect with the initials MF has been named the ship's captain," said the Head of the Batam Customs Enforcement and Investigation Division Muhtadi as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, September 11.

He explained that the value of the tin sand to be smuggled amounted to Rp3,224 billion. This act violates the provisions of Article 102 letter F of Law Number 17 of 2006 concerning Customs as well as threatens the management of national strategic mineral resources.

His party is still investigating who owns the ship, and the origin of the tin sand, whether it comes from a legal mine or illegal mine managed by the community.

"We are still investigating the origin of this tin sand, we are still calling the captain and crew," he said.

Prevention of smuggling 22 tons of tin sand, he said, based on the results of marine patrols carried out by Patrol Vessels BC 20007 and BC 7005 in the Natuna Waters of the Riau Islands, on Wednesday (27/8), then case development was carried out.

During the patrol, he continued, a ship was found passing containing 22 tons of tin sand. From the results of the analysis, the ship was then acted upon and taken to the Tanjung Uncang Customs Port, Batam.

Pasir tin tersebut akan dibawa ke Songkhla, Thailand, ujarnya.

Muhtadi said that during the period from August 1 to September 7, Batam Customs and Excise intensified marine patrols to prevent the smuggling of illegal goods through Riau Islands waters.

During that period, he said, the results of marine patrol work had issued 22 proofs of prosecution (SBP) for various attempts to smuggle illegal commodities by sea.

"The prosecution of KM Maju Kembangan is one of them," he said.