The Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Polda Metro Jaya, together with Tanjung Priok Customs, hold a press conference regarding the smuggling of mercury to Burkina Faso, West Africa.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – A successful collaboration between the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Polda Metro Jaya and Tanjung Priok Customs has prevented the smuggling of mercury to Burkina Faso, West Africa. The mercury was being shipped via the Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta.

“On August 11, 2026, officers, in coordination with Tanjung Priok Customs, inspected a shipping container bound for Burkina Faso, West Africa,” stated the Kapolda Metro Jaya, Komjen Pol Dadang Hartanto, during a press conference on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Upon further investigation, authorities discovered 26 jerrycans containing mercury, which had been concealed among a shipment of motorcycle accessories.

“The 26 jerrycans of mercury—which were not declared in the export documentation and were hidden alongside a cargo of motorcycle accessories—were successfully uncovered,” said Kapolda Dadang.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, and investigators are currently looking into other potential individuals involved.

“Following further investigation, two suspects were apprehended; they acted as the seller and the buyer, respectively, and were responsible for arranging the overseas shipment. Preliminary assessments value the mercury at Rp1,365 billion,” Kapolda Dadang added. (Bembo)