Cilegon Police Foil Smuggling of Lobster Seeds Worth Rp7.5 Billion

Cilegon Police, together with the Military Police Detachment, successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 50,000 clear lobster seeds with an estimated economic value of Rp7.5 billion. Two suspects were apprehended along with evidence intended for smuggling to the South Sumatra region. Head of Public Relations for the Banten Regional Police, Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, stated on Wednesday that the case began on Thursday, 16 July, around 1:00 p.m. local time in the Executive Pier area of Merak Port. At the time, investigators from the Military Police, in synergy with Cilegon Police Criminal Investigation Unit personnel, became suspicious of two individuals carrying goods in a four-wheeled vehicle. “After a thorough inspection, officers discovered tens of thousands of lobster seeds packed in several styrofoam boxes,” Maruli said. He explained that the total evidence, consisting of 10 styrofoam boxes containing approximately 50,000 lobster seeds destined for Palembang, was immediately handed over to the Cilegon Police Criminal Investigation Unit for further investigation. Maruli noted that the success of this joint operation was a blessing, as it not only thwarted an illegal trade practice but also effectively saved the state from losses of up to Rp7.5 billion. As part of ecosystem conservation efforts, Maruli revealed that 46,000 lobster seeds were handed over and released back into their natural habitat by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, while the remaining 4,000 were set aside for evidentiary purposes in court. “Based on initial examination results, both suspects admitted to obtaining the lobster seed supply from the coast of Binuangeun, Lebak Regency, and taking it to Tangerang first before planning the shipment to Palembang,” he said. To complete the investigation, police also seized a Toyota Avanza, cash, and several mobile phones, while reaffirming the commitment of Cilegon Police and related agencies to continue strengthening surveillance of waters against the threat of marine resource exploitation. For their actions, the two suspects are charged with violating Article 88 in conjunction with Article 16 paragraph (1) and/or Article 92 in conjunction with Article 26 paragraph (1) of Republic of Indonesia Law Number 31 of 2004 concerning Fisheries, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 on Job Creation and the amendments in Law Number 1 of 2026 on Criminal Adjustments. Both suspects face a maximum prison sentence of eight years and/or a maximum fine of Rp500 million. “Both are currently detained at the Cilegon Police Detention Centre, while investigators are completing the case file for immediate transfer to the Cilegon District Prosecutor’s Office,” he explained.