In a joint operation, the Sea Patrol Team of the Customs Office, encompassing the Batam Customs Office, the Special Region Customs Office of the Riau Islands, and the Central Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), successfully intercepted a smuggling operation of used clothes and shoes in the waters of Batam, Riau Islands.
The operation was sparked by intelligence received from the Central Customs Office on Friday, March 1, indicating the imminent arrival of a shipment suspected to contain second-hand clothes and shoes into Batam’s territorial waters aboard the vessel KM Arsyi II.
At 15:30 local time, the targeted vessel entered the Nipah waters. The Customs team pursued and inspected the ship at 16:30 in Batam waters, finding it loaded with bales of used clothes and shoes, lacking the necessary customs documents.
Under the command of Captain A, the vessel was detained and brought to the Tanjung Uncang Customs Pier for further investigation.
The suspects are facing charges under Article 102(a) of the Customs Law No. 17 of 2006, with potential penalties ranging from a minimum of one year to a maximum of ten years in prison, and fines between SGD 4,250 (50 million IDR) and SGD 425,000 (5 billion IDR).
This enforcement action underscores the Customs Authority’s commitment to protecting the community from illegal goods, highlighting the detrimental impact of such smuggling on the domestic industry.
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This successful operation highlights the Customs Authority’s vigilance and dedication to combating illegal imports, thereby protecting local industries and upholding market integrity in line with presidential directives.
This operation signals a robust stance against smuggling and the enforcement of laws designed to protect local economies and industries. It also serves as a reminder of the rigorous controls in place to prevent the entry of illegal goods through maritime borders, ensuring the well-being of the community and the preservation of market standards.
In a concerted effort, Customs authorities in Batam, Indonesia, thwarted a smuggling attempt of second-hand clothes and shoes from entering the country illegally via maritime routes close to Singapore. The operation reflects a firm commitment to combating illegal trade and safeguarding both the local industry and the broader community from the adverse impacts of such activities.
