Indian National Arrested at Soekarno-Hatta Airport for Smuggling 265.7 Grams of Gold in Diaper

TANGERANG - An Indian national (WN) with initials MTNP (44) was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle 265.7 grams of gold out of the country. The gold, valued at around Rp 700 million, was hidden by MTNP inside a diaper he was wearing as he was about to fly from Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang City to Singapore, with a final destination of New Delhi, India. The Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office, Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, stated that the case was uncovered after Aviation Security (Avsec) personnel became suspicious of the suspect’s movements during the airport inspection. Officers then conducted a follow-up examination of the suspect. The results revealed gold granules attached to a gluten gel material and hidden inside the diaper worn by the suspect. “This person was carrying or attempting to take the gold out by placing it in a diaper or inside the underwear he was wearing,” he said. According to Hengky, the method used by MTNP was similar to drug smuggling techniques. The gold granules were then tested in a laboratory and found to have a purity of more than 90 percent. “It was determined that the item is a precious metal, specifically gold, with a purity greater than 90 percent and a total gross weight of 265.7 grams,” Hengky explained. In response to this case, Customs is tightening surveillance on gold traffic leaving Indonesia, particularly regarding its origins and permits. Meanwhile, MTNP is charged under Article 102A letter a of the Customs Law, facing a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp 5 billion.