Customs Uncovers Gold Smuggling Attempt by Indian National

Tangerang, Banten - The Main Customs Service Office of Type Madya Pabean (KPUBC TMP) C Soekarno-Hatta (Soetta) in Tangerang, Banten, has uncovered an attempt to smuggle gold weighing 265 grams valued at Rp700 million, carried out by an Indian national with initials MTNP (44).

The Head of Soekarno-Hatta Customs, Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, stated during a press conference in Tangerang, Banten, on Monday that the smuggling attempt was executed by hiding the goods in the suspect’s underwear.

“This item (gold) was planned to fly from Soekarno-Hatta Airport to Singapore and then continue to New Delhi, India,” he revealed.

He explained that based on the results of the detection, the modus operandi used by this Indian national was uncovered on Friday (8/5) around 3:00 PM WIB at Terminal 3 International Departures, Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

At that time, Soetta Customs officers, along with Aviation Security (Avsec) from InJourney Airports, inspected a passenger bound for New Delhi via the Jakarta (CGK) - Singapore (SIN) route after suspecting him based on his bodily movements.

Then, Hengky continued, the joint team inspected and found two packages of evidence in the form of gold granules wrapped in gluten (flour dough) to disguise their physical form.

“The packages were then hidden inside the underwear worn by the suspect to avoid detection by officers in the security checkpoint area,” he said.

For the follow-up handling of the case, the suspect MTNP along with the evidence in the form of 265.7 grams of gold has been secured at the Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office for investigation purposes.

“Now the suspect has been secured for further legal steps and our firm commitment,” he stated.

For his actions, MTNP is charged under Article 102A letter a of Law No. 17 of 2006 amending Law No. 10 of 1995 on Customs, with a maximum criminal penalty of 10 years and a maximum fine of Rp5 billion.

“We have an integrated surveillance system, trained personnel, and solid inter-agency synergy. We will continue to stand firm to safeguard the nation’s borders,” said Hengky.