Inp.polri.go.id - Semarang.  Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman has ordered authorities to uncover an illegal onion smuggling network uncovered in Semarang, Central Java, to prevent repeat offenses. 

The case involves 6,172 sacks, or about 123 tons, of illegally imported onions seized from a warehouse on Saturday (10/1/2026).

“This must be investigated thoroughly and exposed down to its roots to create a real deterrent,” Minister Amran said during an on-site inspection, asa cited by antaranews.com.

The minister said he received an initial tip through his public complaint channel and immediately coordinated with the military police, local police, and quarantine officials to intercept the shipment before it reached the market. He warned that even small quantities of illegal agricultural products could threaten local crops if they carry plant diseases.

Police confirmed that six trucks and six drivers have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation, while the seized onions will be destroyed.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)