JAKARTA - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) thwarted the smuggling of 780 kilograms of pangolin scales transported by a Vietnamese-flagged ship, MV Hoi An 8, in Tanjung Sekong waters, Merak, Banten.
The Head of the TNI AL Information Service (Kadispenal) Admiral TNI Tunggul said the disclosure of the case began when the Navy Ship (KAL) Anyer I-3-64 was patrolling around the Merak waters, Banten.
In the middle of the patrol, said Tunggul, KAL personnel saw a Vietnamese-flagged ship that was making suspicious movements.
"The VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) team then carried out an inspection," said Tunggul as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, April 9.
After being examined, the ship's personnel found 26 cardboard packages containing pangolin scales with a total weight of 780 kilograms.
Tunggul said the smuggling was against the law because pangolins were one of the protected animals.
"Furthermore, the ship, the captain, and all the evidence were secured to the Banten Naval Mako for further investigation, while the ship remained under the close supervision of the TNI AL patrol element," he said.
Tunggul explained that the case was also handed over to law enforcement to be processed further. Until now, it is not yet possible to determine where the ship came from and where it was going.
Tunggul emphasized that the disclosure of this case is proof of the commitment of the Indonesian Navy in eradicating all smuggling practices through the sea route.
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