The Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation of the Polda Metro Jaya presents the results of the thwarted mercury smuggling attempt, which was allegedly destined for the Philippines.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The Polda Metro Jaya’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus), along with Tanjung Priok Customs, successfully foiled an alleged attempt to smuggle mercury via a container in the Tanjung Priok area, North Jakarta. During the thwarted attempt, 760 bottles of silver-colored liquid labeled “Mercury Gold 1 Kilo” were confiscated as evidence.

The Head of Public Relations of the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Bhudi Hermanto explained during a press conference, that the disclosure of this thwarted smuggling attempt was a form of law enforcement, public safety, and environmental protection.

Mercury is a hazardous and highly toxic substance, codenamed Hg, and its distribution must be strictly monitored. This substance can accumulate in the environment and the human body and is harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.

 “Disclosure of this thwarted toxic substance smuggling attempt is important to convey to the public because it is related to law enforcement, public safety, and environmental sustainability,” said Kombes Pol Bhudi on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Meanwhile, Kombes Pol Vicktor D Mackbon, Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the Polda Metro Jaya explained in his presentation, that the case was uncovered on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at around 8:00 PM WIB. At that time, officers from Sub-Directorate IV of the Certain Criminal Acts (Tipidter) Ditreskrimsus Polda Metro Jaya, along with Tanjung Priok Customs, were inspecting a container at the Tanjung Priok Customs and Excise checkpoint.

The container, numbered MRSU 7176261, was a 40-foot FCL container. According to shipping documents, the container was intended for international shipment.

During the inspection, hundreds of bottles of mercury labeled “Mercury Gold 1 Kg” were found in cardboard sleeves.  The bottles were hidden among 145 rolls of carpet to evade inspection.

“The perpetrators stored the mercury in cardboard sleeves, then used a method of inserting them into the rolls of carpet before shipping them in containers,” said Kombes Pol Vicktor D. Mackbon.

Evidence of 760 bottles of mercury labeled “Mercury Gold 1 Kilo” which were successfully confiscated.

He explained, that the mercury was allegedly destined for the Philippines to be used as a gold refining material. Indonesia’s abundant mercury resources make it a common target for illegal suppliers in the Philippines seeking the material.

In this smuggling attempt, two individuals, identified by the initials MAL and H, were named suspects. MAL is suspected of sourcing and shipping mercury as ordered by an individual overseas. Meanwhile, H is suspected of supplying the mercury to MAL.

Based on preliminary investigations, the mercury shipments by the two suspects are suspected to have been ongoing since 2021. The mercury was sold for around Rp 2,7 million per kilogram.

“From that price, suspect MAL made a profit of around Rp300.000 per kilogram. He obtained the mercury from suspect H for Rp2,4 million per kilogram,” said Kombes Pol Victor.

Head of the Sub-Directorate for Certain Criminal Acts (Tipidter)

at the Polda Metro Jaya, AKBP Anton Hermawan also added, that all the mercury is suspected to have come from an illegal mine in Mount Botak.

 “So, we can confirm that the mercury is also illegal because it was obtained from illegal mining,” said AKBP Anton.

Meanwhile, Adhang Noegroho Adhi, Head of the Tanjung Priok Type A Customs and Excise Main Service Office stated in a statement, that the thwarting of this smuggling attempt is a form of synergy between Customs and Excise and the Polda Metro Jaya in export supervision.

“Mercury is a dangerous commodity. Its transportation and export require very limited permits from the relevant ministries or institutions. And as a result of this tricky activity, the state is estimated to have suffered losses of up to Rp30 billion,” Adhang said.

Now, returning to the thwarted smuggling case. Investigators have currently questioned nine witnesses and one expert. Investigators are still investigating the distribution channels, shipping documents, and the possible involvement of other parties in this case.

Kombes Pol Bhudi reiterated, that regarding this case, the Polda Metro Jaya are urging the public to actively participate in providing information if they know of any illegal activity involving mercury.

 “We urge the public with information related to the trade, transportation, or use of mercury to immediately report it through the police hotline 110. The Polri are here as guardians of life, builders of civilization, and champions of humanity. Their presence is to bring benefit, justice, and peace to the community,” stated Kombes Pol Bhudi.

Meanwhile, investigators have charged suspects MAL and H, who have fallen for the trap of the betmen in this case, with Article 391 of the Criminal Code concerning Document Forgery, Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade, and Article 161 of Law Number 2 of 2025 concerning the Fourth Amendment to Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining (Minerba). Both face a maximum prison sentence of six years.

Writer/Editor: Bembo