In a major operation, Batam customs officials arrested six individuals involved in the smuggling of over 266,000 lobster seeds (benih bening lobster or BBL) destined for international markets, particularly Vietnam. The arrests were made following a high-speed chase, but the primary orchestrator of the smuggling ring remains at large.
Batam’s waters have become a hotspot for illegal lobster seed smuggling, with several attempts thwarted in recent months. The latest bust took place on 12 October 2024, when Batam customs, based on a tip-off, pursued and captured six individuals involved in smuggling 266,600 lobster seeds, with a market value of approximately IDR 29.6 billion (SGD 2.5 million).
Batam Customs Chief Zaky Firmansyah revealed that the operation unfolded after a high-speed chase with smugglers operating a speedboat. The smugglers, who had transported the lobster seeds from Sumatra through Bangka Belitung, attempted to flee to Tanjung Pengelih, Malaysia. However, the team managed to capture them after they abandoned the boat at Pulau Joyo in Bintan.
The six arrested individuals, identified as AZ, AR, ZA, SA, MY, and MI, were presented during a press conference. During the operation, 53 styrofoam boxes containing 266,600 lobster seeds were confiscated, including 261,000 sand lobster seeds and 5,600 pearl lobster seeds. Investigations reveal that the seeds were intended for markets in Singapore and Vietnam, with ship-to-ship transfers planned along the Malaysian coast.
This arrest marks a significant breakthrough for authorities, who have often struggled to apprehend smugglers. According to Firmansyah, previous attempts have resulted in smugglers abandoning their vessels and fleeing the scene. The six arrested have been linked to AH, the suspected mastermind, who remains at large. The suspects confessed that they were paid around IDR 5 million (SGD 425) per trip for smuggling these seeds.
The suspects face multiple charges, including violations of Indonesia’s Fisheries Law No. 31 of 2004 and Customs Law No. 17 of 2006. They could face up to 10 years in prison and fines up to IDR 5 billion (SGD 425,000). Firmansyah emphasized that authorities are continuing investigations to capture the remaining key players involved in the smuggling network.
Read More: Nearly 800,000 Lobster Seeds Seized in Batam Raid
In recent months, smuggling cases in the waters of Batam have intensified. Just a few days earlier, on 9 October, another smuggling attempt involving 88,200 lobster seeds worth IDR 13.2 billion (SGD 1.1 million) was foiled. Batam’s strategic location, bordering Singapore and Malaysia, has made it a target for smuggling activities, particularly with a growing demand for lobster seeds in Vietnam.
The recent arrests highlight the ongoing challenges authorities face in combating illegal wildlife trade in Batam. With the high demand for lobster seeds in neighboring countries, smugglers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to transport valuable resources. The arrest of six individuals signals progress, but the search for the primary culprits continues.
Six individuals were arrested in Batam for smuggling 266,600 lobster seeds, valued at IDR 29.6 billion (SGD 2.5 million). Despite this success, authorities are still pursuing the mastermind behind the operation, as the demand for lobster seeds in Vietnam drives smuggling efforts in the region.
Source: Mongabay (2024)
