Police bust illegal lobster seed trade in Pangandaran, uncovering billion-rupiah turnover

Authorities in West Java have uncovered a significant illegal trade in lobster seeds, arresting four individuals in Pangandaran. The operation, conducted by the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation of the West Java Regional Police, targeted the unlicensed buying and selling of these protected marine resources.

Four suspects, identified by the initials HS, AR, BL, and AS, were apprehended along with a quantity of lobster seeds. Police stated that these seeds were destined for export to foreign markets, where they would be raised and sold at a considerably higher price than their local market value of Rp15,000-16,000 per seed.

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From the report and crime scene, our colleagues from the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation have apprehended four individuals whom we suspect are the perpetrators, namely HS, AR, BL, and AS. They are fishermen, transporters, and those involved in the business of these seeds.

Officials highlighted that this illicit trade threatens the availability of seafood resources and the safety of lobster populations. The suspects are being prosecuted under Law Number 31 of 2004 concerning Fisheries, in conjunction with Article 20 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. If convicted, they face a maximum prison sentence of eight years.

This bust follows a separate incident where the Indonesian Navy's Fleet One Quick Response (FOR) team thwarted an attempt to smuggle 52 boxes of lobster seeds, valued at Rp46.8 billion, to Singapore in Jambi waters. Four individuals were arrested in that operation.

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These goods will be sold abroad, where they will be raised, grown, and sold at a very high price. Here the price is Rp15-16 thousand, abroad it will be expensive.