Bangka Belitung Water and Air Police Thwarts Smuggling Of Fries Worth Rp10.14 Billion

JAKARTA - The Water and Air Police Directorate of the Bangka Belitung Islands foiled an attempt to smuggle lobster seeds or fry without a fishery business permit worth Rp10.14 billion while crossing Mentok Waters, West Bangka Regency.

The Bangka Belitung Islands Police Chief, Inspector General Anang Syarif Hidayat said that from the disclosure of the case the officers managed to secure three perpetrators from Banyuasin, South Sumatra, on behalf of RI (40) as the captain, MR (31) and MD (26) the crew.

"The three perpetrators were arrested on Tuesday at around 00:22 western Indonesia time in Mentok Waters while transporting 13 boxes containing lobster seeds from Sungsang Port, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra to Mentok Waters, West Bangka Regency," he said as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, July 21.

The three perpetrators were arrested after members of the Operational Sub-Law Enforcement Directorate of Water and Air Police received information from the public on Monday, July 19 that at night there would be a transaction of goods using a fast boat in Mentok Waters, West Bangka Regency.

Furthermore, members of the Gakkum Sub-Directorate at around 16.00 western Indonesia time carried out patrols and sweeps in these waters. And while on patrol the members saw suspicious light signals.

Subsequently, Members approached the light signals on Tuesday, July 20 at around 00.22 western Indonesia time at the coordinates point 01 41' 143” S - 1049 57' 703” E found one tongue speed unit with a total of three crew members carrying cargo.

"After an inspection of one-speed tongue unit was found 13 boxes containing lobster seeds. Furthermore, members secured three crew members along with the evidence and immediately took them to the Mako Dit Polairud Polda Babel Islands," he said.

From the disclosure of the case, his party managed to secure evidence in the form of a tongue speed unit with a 40 PK driving engine, 13 boxes containing 67,600 lobster seeds, and a cell phone.

"From this action, state losses are estimated at Rp10.14 billion. The three perpetrators will be subject to Article 92 Jo. Article 26 of Law Number 45 of 2009 concerning Amendments to Law Number 31 of 2004 concerning Fisheries as amended by Law Number 11 concerning Job Creation Article 92 Jo. Article 26 with the threat of imprisonment for eight years and a fine of Rp1.5 billion," he said.