West Sumbawa Police Handle Case Of Smuggling 6 Tons Of Subsidized Fertilizer

Police officers checked a truck suspected of smuggling 6 tons of subsidized fertilizer to Lombok Island at the Port of Pototano, West Sumbawa, NTB, Sunday (10/9/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Polres West Sumbawa)

The West Sumbawa Police Criminal Investigation Unit, West Nusa Tenggara, is handling a case of alleged smuggling of 6 tons of subsidized fertilizer.

"Regarding the results of this disclosure, an investigation is currently being carried out," said West Sumbawa Police Chief AKBP Yasmara Harahap as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 12.

The West Sumbawa Police are handling this alleged smuggling case based on the results of disclosures at the end of last week by preventing a truck carrying goods that will cross from Pototano Harbor, West Sumbawa Regency, to Kayangan Harbor, East Lombok Regency.

From the results of a search of the luggage of the truck carrying the goods, dozens of sacks of subsidized fertilizers with a total weight of up to 6 tons were obtained.

In the handling process, Yasmara said that his party had received information regarding the origin of the subsidized fertilizer.

"So the mode of goods (subsidized fertilizers) was purchased from several people who have stock in Sumbawa. After they got it, the goods were sent to Lombok," he said.

According to the regulations, he said, the government has banned the sale and purchase of subsidized fertilizers. Moreover, the fertilizer is taken from one area, then sold to other areas.

With the handling of this case, Yasmara said that his party was still investigating the information and evidence, including revealing the role of suspects and alleged criminal violations in this case.

"We have secured the truck and evidence of subsidized fertilizer," he said.