BPOM Raids Cosmetics Warehouse in Tangerang, Seizes 2 Million Products Worth Rp27.6 Billion
The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has broken up an illegal imported cosmetics distribution ring by raiding two warehouses in Kelapa Dua District, Tangerang Regency, Banten, on Friday (5/6). During the operation, officers seized more than two million cosmetic products without marketing authorisation, with an economic value reaching Rp27.6 billion.
Based on observations at the scene, the two warehouses storing the illegal cosmetics were located on Jalan Diklat Pemda, Bojong Nangka Village. The grey-painted buildings appeared sealed off from outside activity, so their existence was largely unknown to the surrounding community.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stated that the uncovering of this case began with cyber patrols conducted by BPOM on various online trading platforms. From the investigation, officers found indications of cosmetics sales without marketing authorisation, which eventually led to the storage warehouse location.
"We have succeeded in opening something that was hidden. Hidden in the sense that we know this room is not a warehouse, and perhaps the surrounding community never knew that illegal goods were stored here," Taruna said at the scene.
According to him, the seized products were imported cosmetics from China that entered Indonesia without complete import documents. The goods are suspected of having been smuggled through unofficial channels and mixed in with shipments of legal goods.
"The cosmetics imported into Indonesian territory lacked complete importation documents, so they are suspected of entering through unofficial channels. So, unofficial, illegal channels meant they did not pay taxes, they did not pay various fees," he explained.
From the inspection, BPOM found a total of 2,082,039 cosmetic products from 956 types of items. The majority were decorative or facial makeup products originating from China.
"This finding is dominated by decorative or facial makeup products which are imported cosmetics from China," Taruna stated.
In addition to seizing evidence, BPOM also detained two individuals suspected of playing roles in the illegal cosmetics distribution network. One was tasked with marketing the products through online shops, whilst the other acted as the importer.
Taruna revealed that the warehouse had been operating for approximately two years. BPOM is currently continuing its investigation to fully uncover the case. The two detained individuals are suspected of violating provisions in Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health.
"Of course, we can pursue the maximum prosecution, which is 12 years in prison or a fine of Rp5 billion per item," Taruna stressed.