inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Riau Islands Regional Police Special Criminal Investigation Directorate has taken legal action against the illegal import of goods, both new and used, originating from Singapore. This action was taken as a concrete manifestation of the police's support for the Government's policy of eradicating illegal imports.
The Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Nona Pricillia Ohei, stated that the arrests began on Saturday (4/25/2026) at 9:30 PM at Batam Center International Port.
Based on the report, the authority secured three port taxis carrying goods belonging to three perpetrators: SM, PW, and CN.
"The perpetrators' modus operandi was to place the goods in their own suitcases and backpacks to evade inspections, with the motive of personal gain," said the Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Regional Police in a written statement on Wednesday (5/6/2026).
Nona stated that officers secured 12 suitcases and 34 backpacks containing 702 used items of clothing, 142 pairs of shoes, 91 used bags, and 18 used toys from the perpetrators. Specifically, these items were found in SM's black Avanza, CN's Xenia, and PW's white Toyota Rush.
In addition to the items found in the vehicles, officers also confiscated 10 additional bags containing used clothing that were already at the home of one of the perpetrators.
"For their actions, the perpetrators are being charged under Article 111 in conjunction with Article 47 paragraph (1) and/or Article 112 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 51 paragraph (2) of Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade, as well as Article 103 letter d in conjunction with Article 102 letter e of Law Number 17 of 2006 concerning Customs. The penalties are a minimum of two to eight years' imprisonment, and a fine ranging from IDR 100,000,000.00 to a maximum of IDR 5,000,000,000.00," said the Head of Public Relations.
He appealed to the public not to hesitate to report any form of disturbance to public order and security in their neighborhood. If the public finds or is aware of any potential security disturbance or requires immediate police presence, they can contact the 110 Call Center, which is active 24 hours a day, or use the Polri Super App, which provides fast and integrated public service and complaints services.
(ad/ay/pr/rs)
