LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Police in Torgamba have intensified their crackdown on the theft of fresh palm oil fruit bunches (Tandan Buah Segar/TBS), locally known as "Ninja Sawit." In a swift operation carried out on Saturday morning, May 9, 2026, officers arrested three suspects caught transporting stolen palm oil using an unregistered pickup truck in the PTPN IV Regional I Aek Torop Plantation area.
The arrests took place at around 06:00 WIB in Afdeling II of Kebun Aek Torop, located in Aek Batu Village, Torgamba District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency. During the operation, police also widened their investigation to uncover a suspected fencing network believed to be receiving and distributing the stolen palm oil.
Residents' Complaints Lead to Investigation
Read Also: Palm Oil Theft Foiled at PT Asam Jawa, Suspect Arrested in Labuhanbatu Selatan The case began after residents in Dusun Bakaran Batu repeatedly reported an increase in palm oil fruit thefts in their area. Responding to these complaints, the Torgamba Criminal Investigation Unit carried out surveillance operations in the plantation zone to identify the perpetrators.
Their efforts led officers to a suspicious black pickup truck without license plates. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found carrying 24 bunches of fresh palm oil fruit in its cargo area. Three men inside the vehicle were immediately detained for questioning at the scene.
SEIZED EVIDENCE:
Torgamba Police secured stolen palm oil fruit bunches from Afdeling II of Kebun Aek Torop, PTPN IV Regional I. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Read Also: Torgamba Police Intensify Crackdown on Palm Oil Theft Suspects Admitted Their RolesFollowing initial questioning, the three suspects reportedly admitted their involvement in the theft and explained their respective roles. One of them, Adi Bogek Aritonang alias "Batman," allegedly acted as the harvester who directly cut the palm fruit from the trees. Another suspect, Oloan Saut Harapan Aritonang alias "Oloan," was responsible for transporting the stolen fruit from the plantation area.
Meanwhile, Rian Alfiansyah alias "Ompong" served as the driver of the pickup truck used to move the stolen goods out of the plantation.
All three suspects were then taken to the Torgamba Police Station for further legal processing.
Read Also: Torgamba Police Tighten Control on Illegal Palm Oil Collection Sites in South Labuhanbatu VEHICLE CONFISCATED: Police also impounded an unregistered pickup truck used to transport the stolen palm oil. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Police Investigate Possible Fencing NetworkAuthorities are now expanding their investigation to trace a suspected fencing network behind the theft operation. A figure known as "Mak Karlos" has emerged as a key name in the investigation after the suspects claimed that he allegedly provided the vehicle used in the crime. Police suspect that the case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader organized illegal palm oil trading network operating in the region.
Read Also: Torgamba Police Take Stand Against Palm Oil Theft and Drug Abuse Evidence Secured and Investigation OngoingAs part of the investigation, police have confiscated 24 bunches of fresh palm oil fruit along with the unregistered pickup truck used in the operation. All evidence has been secured at the Torgamba Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The
Torgamba Police have reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating "
Ninja Sawit" crimes, which not only cause significant financial losses to plantation companies but also risk triggering social tensions in plantation communities. Authorities continue to call on residents to report any suspicious activity and avoid involvement in illegal palm oil trade or fencing practices.
Investigations are still ongoing, including witness examinations, crime scene analysis, and efforts to uncover the wider network behind the theft operation. (IDNC)
Read Also: Kampung Rakyat Police Dismantle Suspected Drug Den in Air Merah Palm Oil Area REPORTER:
Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala