Inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Quarantine Agency in the Riau Islands foiled an attempt to smuggle 20 kg of dried seahorses disguised in snack packaging carried by an Egyptian man at Hang Nadim Airport.

The operation, conducted jointly by the Customs Office, Immigration Office, Quarantine Agency, and Port Security uncovered the items in four suitcases carried by the Egyptian.

“He admitted buying the seahorses via a Facebook trading group for Rp 40 million and intended to bring them to Jakarta as souvenirs,” said Herwintarti, the Head of Riau Islands’ Quarantine Agency.

The seahorses were identified as Hippocampus spinosissimus, Hippocampus comes, and Hippocampus trimaculatus, all protected under CITES Appendix II. Authorities confirmed this violated Law No. 21/2019 on Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine, specifically Articles 88 and 35.

The Quarantine Agency urged the public to comply with quarantine regulations. Surveillance at key border points will be intensified to curb wildlife trafficking through airports and international seaports.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)