inp.polri.go.id - Pontianak. The Indonesian National Police (INP) Criminal Investigation Agency Smuggling Task Force (uncovered a large-scale illegal import of food commodities in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan. Police subsequently seized dozens of tons of onions and other food items suspected of being illegally imported into Indonesia.
"The action was carried out on Monday, April 13, 2026, by the Criminal Investigation Agency's Directorate of Special Economic Crime Investigation at two different locations in South Pontianak," explained Brigadier General Ade Safri Simanjuntak, Director of Special Economic Crimes Investigation, on Friday (4/17/2026).
He explained that the first location was at Budi Karya street No. 5. At this location, investigators found various commodities, including shallots, garlic, and yellow onions, totaling 10.35 tons.
Then, at the second location, at Budi Karya street, Pontianak Square Complex No. C-6, Benuamelayu Darat Village, the team again found larger quantities of similar commodities, along with dried chilies. Investigators later discovered 12,796 tons of onions.
Based on initial investigations, it was discovered that the commodities originated from various countries.
He said the shallots were suspected to have come from Thailand, the garlic and dried chilies from China, and the onions from the Netherlands. The goods are believed to have entered Indonesia via Malaysia before being distributed in West Kalimantan.
He further revealed that the shop or warehouse owners only acted as recipients or buyers of goods from other parties. As a security measure, the team has set up police lines at the storage locations of the illegal commodities.
"Meanwhile, authorities are still pursuing the main supply network," he said.
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