Navy Forces Thwart Smuggling Attempt, Over 9,000 Lobster Larvae Seized in Banyuwangi Operation
Banyuwangi, suarapecari.com – Tim Satgas Second Fleet Quick Response (SFQR) Naval Base (Lanal) Banyuwangi successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 9,244 lobster larvae and apprehended suspects involved in the smuggling operation in the Grajagan area of Banyuwangi, East Java, on Sunday (2/6/2024).
The apprehension of the suspects began when SFQR members observed suspicious activities at a residence in Grajagan, eventually confirming the presence of lobster larvae intended for smuggling beyond Banyuwangi.
Acting swiftly, the SFQR team took preventive measures by intercepting the suspects before they could leave Banyuwangi. Two suspects, identified as HS (46 years old) and MS (63 years old), were apprehended with 9,244 sand lobster larvae packed in 46 plastic bags inside a black sedan.
The apprehended suspects, HS and MS, were couriers tasked with delivering the contraband to an individual identified as IR, also known as DO. Although attempts were made to lure the recipient (IR), they did not appear, leading to the immediate arrest of HS, MS, and the confiscation of the evidence, which were then taken to Mako Lanal Banyuwangi for further action.
Commander of Lanal Banyuwangi, Lieutenant Colonel Naval (P) Hafidz, M.Tr.Opsla, during a press conference today, Monday (3/6/2024), informed the media that one of the tasks of SFQR is to monitor lobster larvae capture activities in the operational area of Lanal Banyuwangi, particularly in the southern waters including Grajagan, Rajegwesi, Pancer, and Puger Jember. Banyuwangi is known as one of the areas where lobster larvae are produced.
Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal), Admiral TNI Dr. Muhammad Ali, on various occasions, has instructed all Indonesian Navy personnel to enhance rapid responses to all received information, particularly regarding violations such as illegal lobster larvae smuggling in Indonesian waters.
