Batam Customs Thwarts Smuggling of 337 Mobile Phones at Port
Batam (ANTARA) - Batam Customs, Riau Islands (Kepri), foiled an attempt to smuggle 337 mobile phones without customs documents at Telaga Punggur RoRo Port.
Head of Batam Customs Office Agung Widodo explained that the enforcement action targeted a pick-up truck intending to cross to Tanjung Buton, Siak.
“The concealment method using a hidden compartment indicates a systematic effort to avoid supervision,” he stated in an official release received in Batam on Monday.
He explained that the action began with routine surveillance by the Batam Customs Enforcement Team on passengers and vehicles preparing to depart on the KMP Lome ferry to Mengkapan Port, Tanjung Buton.
Around 12:45 WIB, officers inspected a vehicle scheduled to board the ship at 14:00 WIB.
During the inspection, officers spotted a pick-up truck that appeared unloaded.
However, based on analysis and suspicion, officers conducted a more thorough search of the vehicle in the presence of the driver.
From the search results, officers discovered a hidden compartment (false compartment) in the side wall of the truck bed used to conceal goods.
“Inside the compartment, hundreds of mobile phones of various brands were found without accompanying customs documents,” he said.
Following the discovery, officers took enforcement action by seizing and sealing one pick-up truck along with its load, then transporting the seized goods to the Batam Type B Main Customs Service Office for further examination and processing.
From the inventory count, 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 reaches Rp3.76 billion, with a potential state loss of Rp414 million.
Subsequently, an inspection by the Batam Customs K-9 Unit found no indications of narcotics, psychotropics, or precursors (NPP).
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.
Batam Customs urges the public not to engage in illegal activities, including carrying or trading goods without valid customs documents.
Agung also emphasised that his office will continue to enhance surveillance, particularly against potential smuggling via crossing routes.
“We will continue to strengthen supervision and enforcement to create a fair trade climate and protect the public,” he said.
Active public participation in providing information is also greatly needed to support customs and excise law enforcement efforts.