Batam Customs Thwart Smuggling of 337 Mobile Phones Hidden in Pickup Truck Bed
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BATAM - Batam Customs thwarted an attempt to smuggle 337 mobile phones without customs documentation at Telaga Punggur RoRo Port, Batam. The hundreds of phones were hidden in the walls of a pickup truck bed (false compartment) that was about to cross to Tanjung Buton, Siak, on Tuesday (7/4/2026).
The enforcement began with routine surveillance activities conducted by Batam Customs. During the inspection of vehicles boarding the ship scheduled to depart at 14:00 WIB, officers noticed a pickup truck that appeared unloaded.
Based on analysis and suspicion, officers immediately inspected the vehicle in the presence of the driver. The inspection revealed a hidden compartment (false compartment) in the truck bed walls used to conceal goods. Inside the compartment, hundreds of mobile phones of various brands were found without accompanying customs documentation.
Following the discovery, officers took enforcement action by detaining and sealing the pickup truck along with its load, then transporting it to the Batam Customs Office for further inspection and processing.
“We also conducted an inspection with the K-9 Unit, but found no indications of narcotics, psychotropics, and precursors (NPP),” said the Head of Batam Customs Office, Agung Widodo.
From the inventory, the total seized items amounted to 337 mobile phones, including 167 iPhone 14 128GB units, 100 iPhone 15 128GB units, 20 iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB units, and 50 Samsung Galaxy A57 5G 256GB units. The estimated value of the goods is Rp3.76 billion, with a potential state loss of Rp414 million.
The perpetrator is suspected of violating Law No. 17 of 2006 on Customs as well as Government Regulation No. 41 of 2021 on the Management of Free Trade Zones and Free Ports.
Agung emphasised that Customs will continue to enhance surveillance, particularly against potential smuggling through crossing routes. “The hiding method using a concealed compartment indicates a systematic effort to evade oversight. We will continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement to create a fair trading climate and protect the public,” he said.
Batam Customs urges the public not to engage in illegal activities, including carrying or trading goods without valid customs documentation. Active public participation in providing information is also greatly needed to support customs and excise law enforcement efforts.