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View all search resultsAuthorities in Batam prevent smuggling of lobster larvae, handgun, drugs
Detectives from Riau Islands Police' Special Crimes Investigation (Reskrimsus) Directorate arrested two suspects trying to smuggle 100,000 lobster larvae worth some Rp 10 billion (US$565,000) on May 20 morning.
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Riau Islands Police' Special Crimes Investigation (Reskrimsus) director Sr. Comr. Silvester Mangombo Marusha Simamora (third left) and chief spokeswoman Sr. Comr. Nona Pricillia Ohei (center) hold bags containing lobster larvae together with representatives from related agencies during a press conference in Batam, Riau Islands, on May 20, 2026. (Courtesy of Riau Islands Police/-)
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uthorities in Batam have foiled several attempts to smuggle various contraband items, including lobster larvae, a Beretta handgun and drugs, in the past two months in separate operations.
Detectives from Riau Islands Police’ Special Crimes Investigation (Reskrimsus) Directorate prevented the smuggling of some 100,000 lobster larvae worth some Rp 10 billion (US$565,000) from Jakarta. The larvae were going to be shipped to Singapore and eventually on to Vietnam.
Two perpetrators, identified only as SS and DS, were arrested in the Mega Legenda 2 commercial area in Batam in the morning of May 20.
Riau Islands Police chief spokeswoman Sr. Comr. Nona Pricillia Ohei said the suspects had different roles in the syndicate. SS was the courier fetching the smuggled goods while DS was the coordinator who ordered four suitcases containing the larvae to be picked up.
“The perpetrators’ modus operandi was camouflaging lobster larvae inside the suitcases, which were packaged using cardboard,” she told a press conference on May 20.
“To deceive officers and X-ray scanning, the packages were layered with used clothes.”
Initial investigation revealed that SS received Rp 10 million to pick up the suitcases while DS was promised Rp 40 million.
