Banten Regional Police Deploy X-ray Scanners to Prevent Crime During Homecoming Period

Cilegon — Banten Regional Police have deployed X-ray scanners at major ports, namely Merak Port, Ciwandan Port, and Pelabuhan BBJ, to prevent smuggling of prohibited goods and other criminal activities during the 2026 Lebaran homecoming period.

Kombes Pol. Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, Head of Public Relations at Banten Regional Police, stated in Cilegon on Tuesday that the installation of this equipment resulted from collaboration between the Vital Object Security Directorate (Pamobvit) and the Narcotics Reserse Directorate of Banten Regional Police.

“The installation of this X-ray equipment is used to anticipate goods brought by homebound travellers related to narcotics offences and other criminal activities,” he said.

He explained that operation of the scanning equipment had actually commenced before Operation Ketupat Maung began. The equipment continues to be utilised to strengthen security at the main crossing routes to Sumatra.

Police hope that with strict surveillance through scanning technology, no criminal perpetrators will attempt to exploit the momentum of the dense homecoming traffic flow to commit crimes within Banten Regional Police jurisdiction.

Beyond apprehending perpetrators, Maruli stated the scanning equipment also aims to protect the public from becoming victims.

“This anticipates situations where residents are forced to carry prohibited goods or become perpetrators through their own negligence,” he said.

He appealed to homebound travellers to ensure that all their baggage is their personal property.

“We hope all citizens will be careful with the items they carry. Double-check the baggage you are transporting and ensure that you are not carrying someone else’s goods,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of thoroughness to ensure that transported items do not involve legal violations or criminal acts.