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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Indonesian Navy Thwarts 1-Ton Cyanide Smuggling from Philippines, Preventing Rp1 Billion State Loss

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • The Indonesian Navy's Kodaeral VIII command thwarted a cyanide smuggling attempt from the Philippines in North Sulawesi waters.
  • The operation seized 1,000 kilograms of cyanide and other illegal goods, preventing an estimated Rp1 billion loss to the state.
  • The smugglers used a Philippine pump boat flying an Indonesian flag to deceive authorities.

The Indonesian Navy's Kodaeral VIII command successfully intercepted a significant smuggling operation originating from the Philippines, seizing 1,000 kilograms of cyanide in the waters of North Sulawesi. The operation, conducted on Friday, June 12, 2026, prevented an estimated state loss of over Rp1 billion.

Commander of Kodaeral VIII, Rear Admiral TNI Dery Triesananto Suhendi, announced that the interception was carried out by the QR-8 Task Force Kodaeral VIII, following intelligence gathering. The smugglers attempted to deceive authorities by using a pump boat named ARRIL, which hailed from the Philippines but sailed under the Indonesian flag.

The interception of illegal goods was carried out on Friday, June 12, 2026, by the QR-8 Task Force Kodaeral VIII.

— Laksda TNI DeryCommander of Kodaeral VIII, detailing the operation during a press conference.

In addition to the 20 sacks of cyanide, each weighing 50 kilograms, the joint team confiscated several alcoholic beverages, including two bottles of Tanduay, two one-liter bottles of Fundador, and four one-liter bottles of Mojito. Three Yamaha 18 HP outboard motors were also seized as evidence.

Rear Admiral Suhendi emphasized the total potential state loss from the circulation of these illegal goods was estimated at Rp1,008,420,000. He highlighted that the success of this operation was a result of inter-agency synergy, with representatives from various intelligence and customs bodies present at the press conference.

Total potential state loss due to the circulation of these illegal goods is estimated at Rp1,008,420,000.

— Laksda TNI Dery Triesananto SuhendiStating the financial impact of the thwarted smuggling operation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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