arine Main Base IV Arrests Ship Loading Illegal Alcohol From Singapore

PHOTO VIA BETWEEN

TANJUNGPINANG - The Marine Main Base (Lantamal) IV Tanjungpinang arrested the Virgo Motorboat (KM) loaded with illegal liquor from Singapore in the waters of Mapur Island, Bintan, Riau Islands.

The Commander of Lantamal IV Tanjungpinang, First Admiral Dwika Tjahja Setiawan, said that the seven crew members of the ship were also secured.

This arrest originated from intelligence information that detected the movement of illegal ships into Indonesian waters within the working area of Lantamal IV Tanjungpinang.

"This ship is suspected of trying to smuggle around 6,750 bottles of liquor from Singapore to Palembang, South Sumatra", said Commander IV Tanjungpinang, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, February 23.

The results of the initial inspection, said Dwika, indicated that the ship had repeatedly smuggled liquor from Singapore into Indonesian territory.

To trick the marine security officers, these liquor carriers often change the identity or name of the ship.

In addition, when the ship departs from Singapore, the crew also immediately turns off the Automatic Identification System so that the ship is not tracked.

"The crew confesses that this is the first time they have smuggled liquor", he said.

Dwika explained that the seven crew members who were arrested admitted that they were only tasked with transporting the liquor without official documents from Singapore to Palembang.

Meanwhile, the suppliers, ship owners, and recipients of the liquor are still being investigated.

The seven crew members along with evidence in the form of ships and illegal liquor have now been secured at Commander's Headquarters of Marine Main Base IV Tanjungpinang.

"The results of the investigation of the seven crew members and evidence will be submitted to Tanjungpinang Customs for further legal proceedings", he emphasized.