Servio Maranda, Bangka – The Water and Air Police Directorate (Ditpolairud) of the Bangka Belitung Islands Police foiled attempts to smuggle oil through Tanjung Kalian Port, Muntok District, West Bangka Regency.

The Bangka Belitung Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Jojo Sutarjo explained that the smuggled oil came from South Sumatra and was planned to be shipped to Pangkalpinang.

"We arrest two drivers named AL who is a resident of Gabek Pangkalpinang and BS who is a resident of Mesuji Lampung. The evidence secured is two trucks and 10 tons of black oil," Jojo told reporters on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

He said that the smuggling attempt was uncovered from suspicions about the presence of two trucks coming out from the ship at Tanjung Kalian Port.

"After getting off the ship, an inspection was carried out. It turned out that the two drivers could not show valid documents. When being searched, there was black oil in the two trucks," Jojo recalled.

The police then launched an investigation involving trade experts from the Bangka Belitung Industry and Trade Service (Disperindag).

"Both of them are suspected of violating Article 110 and Article 113 of Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning trade. Currently, the two suspects and evidence have been secured," Jojo concluded.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1745417/police-thwart-oil-smuggling-in-bangka-belitun