Batam Customs Uncovers Various Illegal Smuggling Methods in April 2026

Various smuggling attempts were discovered in the Batam border region throughout April 2026. The methods used by perpetrators have become increasingly varied, spanning from sea routes to passenger ports, involving illegal goods such as cigarettes without excise stamps, firearms, and vape cartridges suspected of containing dangerous substances.

The Head of Batam Customs, Agung Widodo, stated that current smuggling patterns are becoming harder to predict as perpetrators continuously adapt to field surveillance systems. “The emerging methods are very diverse, ranging from the use of high-speed crafts that flee, smuggling within passenger luggage, to body-strapping methods and camouflage using everyday items,” he said on Monday (18/5).

He noted that in April 2026, patrol officers in the Tanjung Sauh waters discovered a high-speed craft suspected of carrying undocumented goods. During the pursuit, the vessel fled, abandoning its cargo at sea and on land. From the site, 495,650 sticks of cigarettes without excise stamps were found and secured for further processing.

On 9 April 2026, routine inspections at a Batam passenger port led to the discovery of a firearm hidden in a passenger’s bag destined for Jakarta. The passenger also tested positive for illegal substances following further examination before being handed over to the police.

Lastly, officers uncovered smuggling using the body-strapping method, where 300 vape cartridges were attached to the body of a passenger from Malaysia. Laboratory tests revealed that the items contained etomidate. Three days later, a similar method was discovered but using a different concealment technique, involving 1,000 vape cartridges hidden inside pots and cardboard boxes. All items were confirmed to contain the same substance based on laboratory results.

Agung Widodo emphasised that surveillance across all entry points in Batam will continue to be strengthened in response to the increasing variety of smuggling tactics. “Synergy with law enforcement agencies is key to facing these evolving smuggling patterns,” he remarked. He added that all evidence and perpetrators have been handed over to the relevant authorities for processing in accordance with applicable laws. Surveillance efforts will persist to protect the border region from the threat of illegal and dangerous goods.