Aceh Customs Destroys Contraband Disease-Carrying Plants

BANDA ACEH - Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in Aceh together with the Class I Quarantine Station in Banda Aceh, smuggled plants from abroad that carry disease.

Head of Public Relations of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise Aceh Isnu Irwantoro said the culling was to prevent plant diseases from being transmitted to local plants.

"Plants that were destroyed came from abroad as a result of the crackdown on plant and animal smuggling in the work area of the Langsa Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office," he said as quoted by Antara, Friday, April 1.

Isnu Irwantoro said the destroyed plants were ornamental plants from abroad that entered without quarantine documents and became carriers of pests and diseases.

Meanwhile, animals are declared free of pests and diseases after going through a 14-day quarantine period. Then, the animal or animals will be entrusted to the Desert Putih Lestari Foundation.

"The animals include types of birds, reptiles, and mammals. These animals are entrusted to be cared for at the Lestar White Desert Foundation," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of Banda Aceh Class I Agricultural Quarantine Station Ibrahim said the destruction was to prevent the entry and spread of plant-disturbing organisms.

"Animals and plants that become carrier media are imported into Indonesian territory without quarantine documents and do not go through the designated entry gates," he said.

Head of the Investigation Section and the Proceedings of the Proceedings of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise Muhammad Nurul Leman said Customs as a protector is always ready to prevent and protect the public from the entry of illegal goods, both inanimate and living objects.

"We always continue to carry out sea and land patrols and coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure public safety from illegal goods imported from abroad," said Muhammad Nurul Leman.