Indonesian Navy thwarts illegal tin sand smuggling operation to Jakarta

Jakarta — The Indonesian Navy through the Eastern Fleet Command (Kodaeral III) has thwarted the smuggling of 6.1 tonnes of illegal tin sand that was being concealed in cardboard packaging from Bangka Belitung to Jakarta on Thursday, 6 March.

The Commander of the Eastern Fleet Command (Dankodaeral III) Rear Admiral TNI Uki Prasetia stated during a press conference at Kodaeral III Headquarters in North Jakarta that the interception began following intelligence received indicating that a truck loaded with illegal tin sand was departing from Bangka Belitung bound for Jakarta on 5 March.

According to Uki, the truck entered Jakarta via sea route using the KMP Sakura Ekspres vessel. Based on this intelligence, Kodaeral personnel immediately stationed themselves at Tanjung Priok Port.

When the vessel arrived at Tanjung Priok Port, personnel immediately inspected the truck. The truck was found with its doors locked and without a driver present.

After calculation, Uki stated, the weight of the tin sand reached 6.1 tonnes. This discovery was subsequently handed over to the authorities to investigate the smuggling syndicate and the destination of the shipment.

Uki emphasised that this interception reinforces the Indonesian Navy’s commitment to protecting Indonesian maritime territory from illegal activities.

He expressed hope that this interception could serve as a deterrent to all parties wishing to use Indonesian waters to smuggle illegal goods.