Baby lobsters or fry, that were intended to be smuggled to Singapore but were confiscated from Terminal 1C at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

progresifjaya.co.id, TANGERANG – The Soekarno-Hatta Airport Polres Criminal Investigation Unit foiled an attempt to smuggle baby lobsters (benur) to Singapore via Batam. This devious attempt was stopped in Terminal 1 C of Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at around 2:40 WIB.

In an official statement by phone, the Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Polresta Criminal Investigation Unit, Kompol Yandri Nomo, confirmed the foiled attempt to smuggle the lobsters.

“Yes, that’s right, but the case is still under investigation,” Kompol Yandri told reporters on Tuesday afternoon, March 24, 2026.

He also stated, that the successful attempt was made possible thanks to information from the public. Investigators then conducted an investigation and obtained the correct information.

“We also secured several people. But we only detained five,” he explained.

However, Kompol Yandri declined to elaborate further or provide details about the case. He argued that the case was still under development, making it inappropriate to reveal it to the public.

“There are still several more people we want to ‘touch’. It would be a shame for our fellow journalists. Yesterday, several people asked about it, but we didn’t reveal it. We ask for time and patience,” he added.

He also refrained from commenting when asked about rumors of the alleged involvement of four Brimob officers in this case.

“Yes, we will convey it to our fellow journalists so everyone can have clear and accurate information,” he emphasized.

He also dismissed circulating information that four suitcases containing lobster larvae were confiscated.

“How could there be four? We only confiscated one suitcase, sir. We’ll find out the exact number and weight later. Be patient. It’s not yet ready for media consumption. We will release it later,” he added.

Regarding the five suspects detained, Kompol Yandri stated, that all are suspected of violating Article 88 of Law Number 31 of 2004 concerning Fisheries and Article 87 in conjunction with Article 34 of Law Number 21 of 2019 concerning Quarantine. They face a maximum prison sentence of eight years and a fine of up to Rp1,5 billion.

“We’re just following standard operating procedures, based on the available evidence. We will definitely take action against anyone found guilty,” Kompol Yandri concluded. (Bembo)