The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Police have foiled an attempt to smuggle lobster larvae worth Rp 629 million (US$44,030) from Lombok.

NTB Police spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Tribudi Pangastuti said the smuggling attempt was uncovered at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday when personnel of the NTB water and air police unit (Polairud) stopped a black pick-up truck on a street in Beleka village, East Praya district, Central Lombok regency.

“The vehicle had been targeted since it departed from Ekas Bay in East Lombok. It was suspected the vehicle carried lobster larvae that would be smuggled via Lombok International Airport. Our personnel managed to foil the attempt,” said Tribudi in Mataram on Tuesday.

During inspection, the police found the vehicle carried one box containing 8,501 lobster larvae. “They comprise 7,650 larvae of sand lobsters and 851 larvae of pearl lobsters, which are worth around Rp 629.20 million,” said Tribudi.

He said two suspected smugglers had been taken into custody at the NTB Police, including the evidence. The two suspects were both Central Lombok residents.  

Tribudi said the two suspects would be charged under Law No. 31/2004 in reference to Law No. 45/2009 on fisheries and the Criminal Code (KUHP). If proven guilty, they could face a six-year imprisonment and a maximum of Rp 1.5 billion in fines.

“We are investigating the case. The lobster larvae will be soon released to their natural habitat to conserve them,” said Tribudi. (ebf)

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