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Navy patrol nets 19 containers allegedly carrying illegal goods from S’pore
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Illegal goods – Personnel from the Western Fleet Quick Response (WFQR) of the Navy’s Tanjungpinang Naval Base IV monitor the inspection of cargo carried by shipping vessel KLM Putri Setia on Nov.10. (JP/Fadli)
T
he Western Fleet Quick Response (WFQR) of the Navy’s Tanjungpinang Naval Base IV has seized 19 containers allegedly carrying illegal goods from Singapore, including Singaporean armed forces uniforms.
The Navy said it was investigating the motive behind the alleged smuggling of military attributes into Indonesia.
Naval base commander Commodore S.Irawan said the container carrying Singaporean military uniforms was not the main target of the WFQR team. During its operation on Wednesday, the team initially aimed to inspect cargo carried by shipping vessel KLM Putri Setia, which had docked in one of illegal ports in Batam.
“KLM Putri Setia carried various electronics, such as LED TVs, refrigerators and washing machines. The goods were put in 19 containers,” said Irawan on Thursday evening. For further investigation, the WFQR team moved the containers back into the vessel, which was later taken to the Tanjung Pinang Naval Base.
It was during a joint security check with customs and excise officers that the WFQR team found SAF striped-camouflage uniforms and several walkie-talkies in one container.
“We’re amazed how these Singaporean military uniforms were smuggled into Batam. For what? We are still investigating the matter,” said Irawan.
He said the team was questioning the vessel’s captain, identified only as Acai, to determine where the illegal goods came from.
“Singapore has always denied that goods used or new had been illegally exported to Batam. I think this finding has proven the rampant export of garbage from Singapore to our country,” said Irawan. (ebf)
