West Sumatra Police Secure 147 Tons Of Pupuk Allegedly Fake In West Pasaman

The West Sumatra Police Ditreskrimsus team confiscated and secured 147 tons of fertilizer suspected of being fake at the UD TU Simpang Tiga Shop, Luhak Nan Duo District, West Pasaman, Tuesday (2/5/2023). ANTARA/HO-Polda West Sumatra.

The Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus) of the West Sumatra Police (West Sumatra) secured around 147 tons or 2,933 sacks of fertilizer type NPK Mutiara and TSP 36 which were allegedly fake because they did not match the level label, at the UD TU Intersection Three Store, Luhak Nan Duo District, West Pasaman Regency.

"We secured the fertilizer at two warehouse points by confiscating and creating a police line," said Head of Sub-Directorate for Investigation of the West Sumatra Police, Kompol Harianto, at Simpang Empat, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 2.

According to him, the secured fertilizer does not match the levels or labels listed in the sacks. As should be 15 percent sodium content, 15 percent phosphat and 15 percent potassium are according to the results of the examination from the Research and Standardization Center, the content is less than one percent.

"This is certainly very detrimental to farmers in West Sumatra, especially in West Pasaman," he said.

He detailed that of the 147 tons or 2,933 sacks of fertilizer for NPK Mutiara fertilizer, there were 2,187 sacks or 109 tons and 36 TSP as many as 36 tons or 746 sacks.

From the results of the investigation, the source of the fertilizer came from the islands of Java, such as Bandung, Cipat and Gresik, and the owner of the figures sold the fertilizer to the public, namely NPK Daun Mutiara fertilizer Rp110 thousand per sack and 36TSP fertilizer for Rp125 per sack.

Currently, the police have not named a suspect in the case because they are still investigating, especially the owner of the fake fertilizer seller shop, especially regarding how long the fertilizer sale has been.

The police appealed to the public, especially farmers, to be careful in buying fertilizers, not only to see cheap prices, but also to know the quality of fertilizers, so as not to harm farmers.

"If it is found that there are indications of fertilizer that does not match the label or level, immediately report it to the authorities. We will also monitor the circulation of fertilizers in other districts or cities," he said.

In carrying out the confiscation and security of counterfeit fertilizers, the West Sumatra Police Ditreskrim Team was accompanied by Satreskrim officers from the West Pasaman Police and witnessed by residents and heads of local jorongs.