Indonesian Navy Uncovers Rp1.3 Billion Tin Sand Smuggling Operation

The Indonesian Navy’s Regional Maritime Command (Kodaeral) IV has uncovered a case of illegal tin sand smuggling involving 42 sacks hidden beneath floating net cages in the waters of Pekajang, Lingga Regency, Riau Islands. Commander of Kodaeral IV, Rear Admiral Berkat Widjanarko, stated that the discovery was made during a joint navy operation on Sunday (26/7), with the economic value of the seized tin sand estimated at around Rp1.3 billion. “Officers secured one individual along with 42 sacks of tin sand suspected of being smuggled. The modus operandi involved hiding the tin sand under floating net cages at a depth of approximately four to five metres below the sea surface. Based on information, this tin sand was suspected to be destined for Malaysia,” Berkat said in Lingga on Monday. Berkat noted that navy investigators are currently probing the possible involvement of other networks in the case, including the alleged role of a syndicate responsible for transporting the tin sand from the storage site to a vessel at sea before smuggling it abroad. “The preliminary suspicion is that it was to be sent to Malaysia using a ship-to-ship method. We are still investigating whether other parties or a syndicate were involved in the delivery process,” he said. He explained that the discovery began on Sunday (26/7) at around 11:00 WIB when a joint team received information about illegal activity in Pekajang waters. The team then conducted a sweep and found two speedboats near the floating net cages. The team subsequently investigated the owner of the floating net cages, and the examination indicated that the location was suspected of being used as a transaction point for tin sand smuggling. Officers then dived beneath the cages and found 42 sacks containing tin sand hidden at the base of the cages. Following the discovery, the Navy coordinated with the Dabo Singkep Naval Base and the KRI Beladau to patrol and secure the location. During the operation, officers detained a suspect with the initials AL, who is the owner of the floating net cages. In addition to the 42 sacks of tin sand, officers also confiscated an air rifle, an air shotgun, and several other pieces of evidence. The suspect, AL, along with the evidence, was then taken to the Dabo Singkep Naval Base for further investigation. “Based on laboratory tests by PT Timah in Kundur, the tin (Sn) content of the sand ranges from 53 to 67 percent. This means the tin sand has a high economic value,” he said.