inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Maluku Regional Police have uncovered alleged illegal hoarding of kerosene and adulterated diesel fuel in the Kapaha area, Sirimau District, Ambon City, after receiving a public report.

Maluku Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Senior Superintendent Rositah Umasugi, stated that the disclosure stemmed from information received by personnel from Sub-Directorate IV of the Special Crimes Directorate of the Maluku Regional Police regarding suspicious activity at the location.

"Following up on the report, the team then conducted an investigation at the location in question," said Rositah, Tuesday (4/7/2026).

He explained that around 7:30 a.m., officers secured evidence along with several individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal activity.

Three individuals were also detained at the scene and are currently undergoing questioning to determine their respective roles. 

"The police are still investigating the facts on the ground, including calculating the amount of fuel suspected of being hoarded and adulterated," he said.

In addition, officers discovered kerosene and diesel fuel stored without a permit at a kiosk in the Kapaha area. The fuel was stored in dozens of drums and jerry cans.

Officers then questioned the kiosk owner suspected of involvement, before taking him and the evidence to the Maluku Regional Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate office for further investigation.

The dozens of drums of suspected illegal fuel were then transported using a dump truck and a small truck.

Investigators are still investigating the exact quantity of confiscated fuel, as well as the modus operandi for the hoarding and alleged adulteration. Police are also investigating the possible involvement of other parties in this illegal practice.

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