Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian Navy intercepted an attempt to smuggle 25 tons of illegal tin ore in the eastern waters of the Bangka Strait, Bangka Belitung Islands, on Wednesday after it detected suspicious activity by a fishing vessel.

“This interdiction began with radar and visual detection of a vessel suspected of conducting illegal activities,” said Navy Spokesperson First Admiral Tunggul in an official statement on Thursday (15/1/2026), as cited by antaranews.com.

The Navy coordinated with Pangkal Pinang Customs and regional intelligence officers  in a joint maritime security  operation to board the vessel, where four crew members were detained.   

Authorities found around 500 sacks of tin ore, weighing approximately 25 tons, with an estimated value of Rp12.5 billion. The shipment was allegedly bound for Malaysia.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)