Bogor Police Bust Illegal Mercury Distribution for Illegal Mining, Four Arrested
The Bogor Police have uncovered the illegal distribution of mercury after raiding a warehouse in Babakanmadang, Bogor, West Java. During the operation, police detained four individuals who have now been named as suspects.
“From the operation we conducted, we carried out further investigations across various regions, and on this occasion, we can present the disclosure of two criminal cases related to illegal mercury trade and illegal mining,” said Bogor Police Chief AKBP Wikha Ardilestanto during a press conference at the Bogor Police Headquarters on Thursday (3/9/2026).
Wikha stated that the four individuals detained include RAR (40) from West Semarang, JS from Central Maluku, FS from Central Papua, and RA (48) a resident of Bogor City. This network, according to Wikha, supplies mercury to several illegal miners in Depok, Bogor, and Sukabumi.
“This network has been operating since 2023 and has carried out three shipments to the Bogor region to supply several illegal gold mines and illegal gold processing sites. The perpetrators distribute and sell this mercury to several areas, such as Bogor Regency, Depok, and Sukabumi,” explained Wikha.
“This is why the disclosure of this criminal case is important, because mercury is a significant material used by illegal gold miners and those involved in illegal gold processing,” he added.
Wikha noted that mercury is commonly used by illegal miners and poses significant health risks to humans, animals, and the environment. The crackdown is expected to curb illegal mining practices, particularly in Bogor Regency.
“This substance is a raw material typically used by illegal miners to refine materials into gold, separating the gold from the ore,” said Wikha.
“This material has a highly destructive effect; if humans, animals, or others are exposed, it can lead to serious health consequences,” he added.
According to Wikha, the suspects are facing charges under Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining in conjunction with Law Number 6 of 2023, Article 158, in conjunction with Article 35 and/or Article 161 in conjunction with Article 35 Paragraph (3) letters c and g, and Article 104 or Article 105, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 5 years and a category 8 fine.
“The perpetrators involved in the sale of mercury are also charged under Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade in conjunction with Law Number 6 of 2023, Article 106 in conjunction with Article 24, regarding trading activities without a business permit, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 4 years and a fine of up to 10 billion IDR,” said Wikca.