Indonesian Military Thwarts Smuggling of Motorcycle Parts to Timor Leste

KUPANG, KOMPAS.com - Personnel from the Indonesia-Timor Leste Border Security (Pamtas RI-RDTL) Task Force thwarted the smuggling of motorcycle spare parts to Timor Leste.     

"They tried to smuggle out some items to Timor Leste through a mouse trail at Halimuti in Silawan village, East Tasifeto district, Belu regency, East Nusa Tenggara," said Lieutenant Colonel (Inf) Bayu Sigit Dwi Untoro, East Sector commander of the Indonesia-Timor Leste Border Security Task Force, Friday, May 14. 

Besides motorcycle spare parts, Bayu added, the officers found instant noodles, perfume, and medicines for chicken livestock. 

Also read: Indonesian Police Bust Reveals Use of Drones in Drug Smuggling Attempt

Bayu explained that the case was first discovered when members of his team conducted regular patrols at a number of border points between the two countries. At a river, which was the scene of the incident, the military members saw the alleged smuggler and individuals from Timor Leste were communicating by using flashlights. 

"After they took the evidence to the riverbank, our personnel then approached the perpetrator," Bayu said.

Also read: Jakarta Police Foil Cocaine Smuggling Attempt

However, as soon as the Indonesian military (TNI) members approached, the people immediately fled to Timor Leste and left behind a number of the contraband items, which were then seized. 

"This is a challenge for us to catch the perpetrators and hand them over to the authorities to process them under the law. We hope we can provide deterrent sanctions for both the perpetrators and others who intend to do so," said Bayu.

(Writer: Sigiranus Marutho Bere | Editor : Abba Gabrillin)

Source: https://regional.kompas.com/read/2021/05/14/100710778/tni-gagalkan-penyelundupan-suku-cadang-motor-dan-barang-lainnya-ke-timor