Kupang – The Indonesian military (TNI) said on Tuesday it had thwarted an effort to smuggle 3,200 tons of fuel into East Timor.

"The 3,200 tons of fuel were confiscated by our soldiers on Saturday and Sunday night at a military post in Kabuna village, Kakulukmesak subdistrict," Belu district military commander Lt. Col. Hendri Wijaya told journalists on Tuesday.

Two weeks ago, the military confiscated 2,200 tons of fuel bound for the same border. The fuel, mostly premium subsidized gasoline but some diesel, was found in containers hidden on ojek (motorcycle taxis) and in pickup trucks.

The military interceded after receiving a tip-off. The accused perpetrators have been handed over to Belu district police.

"We only confiscated the fuel and the vehicles," Hendri said. "The drivers will be handed over today to police, who will investigate [the case] according to legal mechanisms and procedures."

Indonesia has struggled for years to stop the flow of fuel from East Nusa Tenggara into East Timor. Indonesian fuel subsidies create sharp demand, but the illegal trade costs Indonesia's government and consumers, who face long filling-station lines throughout the province.

Belu district, where the alleged smugglers were caught, juts far to the east – with one area surrounded on three sides by East Timor – making the trade difficult to stanch.

"The fuel which was planned to be smuggled is subsidized fuel for people in Belu and Malaka districts," Hendri said. "I want all parties to prevent fuel smuggling, and if there's information, please let us now."

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/tni-cracks-east-timor-fuel-smugglers/