Hidden In A Dry Cake Package, 7 Ternate Reptiles Detected X-Ray Failed To Be Smuggled Into Jakarta

The Ternate Agricultural Quarantine Center secured 7 reptiles that were about to be smuggled into Jakarta at Sultan Baabullah Airport Ternate Friday (22/9/2023). ANTARA/Abdul Fatah

The Ternate Agricultural Quarantine Center managed to thwart the smuggling attempt of seven Maluku Biawak reptiles and Panana or Tiliqua Gigas missiles.

Head of the Ternate Class II Agricultural Quarantine Center, Tasrif, said the seven reptiles had been handed over to the North Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA). Prior to the handover, quarantine of examinations to find out the health of the reptile had been carried out.

"After we carried out the examination, this reptile was declared in good health and we handed it over to the BKSDA for follow-up," he said in Ternate, Friday, September 22, which was confiscated by Antara.

Tasrif explained that initially this reptile would be sent from Sultan Baabullah Ternate Airport on Thursday, September 21 to Soekarno Hatta Airport with the final destination to Tanjung Priok.

The delivery package was given a dry cake. However, when the package passed X-Ray in airport cargo and it was detected that there were hidden reptiles. Airport officials immediately contacted Ternate Quarantine officers for detention.

Tasrif said, North Maluku is a province prone to animal smuggling. Therefore, coordination and synergy with relevant agencies must continue to be well established to protect North Maluku from the threat of animal and plant pests.