Inp.polri.go.id - Tangerang. A South Korean national, identified as Kim J (22), was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport’s Terminal 3 in Tangerang, Banten, on Friday (19/7/2024)after attempting to smuggle 94 reptiles. 

The reptiles, hidden in Kim's suitcase, included 50 snakes, 41 geckos, one rhino iguana, and two monitor lizards, according to antaranews.com.

Turhadi Noerachman, the Head of Banten’s Quarantine Office, said that Kim was a passenger on Asiana Airlines flight OZ-762, traveling from Jakarta to South Korea. 

The reptiles were concealed in 24 bags within Kim's luggage. Kim claimed it was his first visit to Indonesia and struggled with both Indonesian and English.

Currently, Kim is being investigated by the Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) from the Banten Quarantine Office.  Although he is not in custody due to his cooperation, his belongings and travel documents have been confiscated. 

He faces charges under Article 87 in conjunction with Article 34 of the 2019 Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Law, which includes up to three years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 3 billion (approximately USD 200,000).

(mg/inp/pr/nm)