Friday, 31 July 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM – The Special Economic Crimes Directorate of the Riau Islands Regional Police has thwarted the smuggling of more than 100,000 lobster seeds, locally known as benur, worth an estimated Rp10 billion. The illegal shipment was allegedly set to be transported from Batam to Singapore.
The joint operation, conducted alongside customs officers, quarantine authorities, and the Batam Marine Aquaculture Center on Wednesday (May 20, 2026), resulted in the arrest of two suspects.The investigation was revealed during a press conference led by Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Police, Nona Pricillia Ohei, accompanied by Director of Special Criminal Investigation Silvester MM Simamora.
Read Also:Representatives from several related agencies also attended the briefing.
According to Nona Pricillia Ohei, the case was uncovered after investigators received a police report early Wednesday morning. Officers then tracked the shipment of lobster seeds transported from Jakarta to Batam.
"The perpetrators used a highly sophisticated method. Hundreds of thousands of lobster seeds were packed inside suitcases, placed in cardboard boxes, and covered with used clothing to deceive officers and manipulate X-ray inspections," she said.Surveillance Operation in Batam Kota
Read Also:The joint task force had been monitoring a Toyota Avanza Veloz bearing license plate BP 1620 GG since early morning after it departed from Hang Nadim International Airport.
The vehicle later headed toward the Mega Legenda 2 residential complex in Batam Kota District.
At around 8 a.m. local time, investigators intercepted the vehicle and conducted a search. Officers discovered seven boxes allegedly used to transport the lobster seeds.Silvester MM Simamora explained that four boxes were fully packed with lobster seeds, while the remaining three contained used clothing intended as camouflage.
Read Also:"During the search, we found seven boxes. Four were completely filled with lobster seeds, while the other three contained used clothing deliberately used as a cover. The high-value shipment was intended to be smuggled directly to neighboring Singapore," Silvester said.
During the operation, police arrested two suspects identified by the initials SS and DS. SS allegedly picked up the shipment at the airport, while DS is believed to be the main organizer behind the smuggling attempt.
Lobster Seeds Released Back Into the SeaThe police press conference continued into the evening because the sensitive lobster seeds risked dying if stored too long in plastic packaging.
Read Also:Silvester stated that the lobster seeds had to be immediately released back into their natural habitat to ensure their survival and protect the marine ecosystem.
"Why are we holding this press conference so late? Because we are racing against time. Tonight, together with quarantine officials, customs officers, and the marine aquaculture agency, we will head out to sea to release all the lobster seeds so they do not die and our ecosystem remains protected," he explained.
Police Hunt International Smuggling NetworkThe two suspects have been charged under Indonesia's quarantine law governing animals, fish, and plants.
Read Also:They face up to two years in prison and fines of up to Rp2 billion.
Meanwhile, the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Riau Islands Police is continuing its investigation to uncover the suspected smuggling network in Jakarta and identify the intended recipients in Singapore. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik SagalaRead Also:
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