BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM – Batam's Free Trade Zone once again came under intense scrutiny in April 2026 as authorities uncovered a series of increasingly sophisticated smuggling attempts involving illicit cigarettes, firearms, and synthetic narcotics. The Batam Customs Office (Kantor Pelayanan Utama Bea dan Cukai Tipe B Batam) recorded multiple significant enforcement successes across sea lanes and passenger terminals.
Intensified Surveillance in Tanjung Sauh WatersBatam Customs strengthened maritime monitoring in the Tanjung Sauh sea area after suspicious activity was detected on April 7, 2026. The BC 11001 patrol unit identified a high-speed craft allegedly transporting goods without proper customs documentation.
Read Also: Batam Customs Foils Smuggling of 337 Smartphones Hidden in Pickup Truck During pursuit, the vessel attempted to evade interception, ultimately abandoning its cargo at sea and onshore. Authorities later secured 495,650 cigarette sticks without excise tax stamps, which were transported to the Tanjung Uncang customs terminal for further investigation. The case is suspected to violate Article 27 of Law No. 39/2007 on Excise.
Escalating Maritime Enforcement Efforts
Customs officials emphasized that patrol operations will continue to be strengthened in response to evolving smuggling tactics in strategic maritime routes.
CONFISCATION OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF ILLEGAL CIGARETTES: Batam Customs officers seize hundreds of thousands of untaxed cigarettes during an operation in the Tanjung Sauh sea area. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Read Also: Batam Customs Foil Drugs and Etomidate Vape Smuggling Attempt Firearm Discovered at Passenger Terminal
On April 9, 2026, another major interception occurred at the Bintang 99 Persada passenger terminal. The Customs Enforcement and Investigation Team inspected a passenger traveling to Jakarta using an X-ray scanner.
A suspicious bag was detected, and a subsequent inspection revealed a Beretta firearm manufactured in Italy (serial number BER0803). The passenger also tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. The suspect was immediately handed over to the Batam Port Police and is being processed under Law No. 12/1951 on Firearms.
Read Also: Batam Customs Destroys 103 Tons of Illegal Goods Worth IDR 27.5 Billion Cross-Agency Investigation UnderwayAuthorities confirmed that coordination with law enforcement agencies has been intensified to address the intersection of drug abuse and illegal weapons trafficking.
Body-Strapping and Etomidate Vape Cartridges SeizedOn April 12, 2026, Customs officers at Harbour Bay International Port uncovered another smuggling attempt involving a passenger arriving from Stulang Laut, Malaysia.
The individual was found carrying 300 vape cartridges containing etomidate, concealed using a body-strapping method. Laboratory tests confirmed the substance falls under controlled narcotics classifications in accordance with Law No. 35/2009 on Narcotics and Health Regulation No. 15/2025. The suspect and evidence were transferred to the Barelang Police for legal proceedings.
COMBATING FIREARMS SMUGGLING: Head of Batam Customs, Agung Widodo, highlights strengthened inter-agency cooperation in combating illegal arms trafficking. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Etomidate Hidden in Household Items
Just days later, on April 15, 2026, a similar case was uncovered at Harbour Bay involving a passenger identified by the initials S, arriving from Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.
Authorities discovered approximately 1,000 vape cartridges (around 8,600 grams) concealed inside cooking pots and cardboard boxes. Laboratory confirmation again detected etomidate, highlighting increasingly creative concealment methods used by traffickers.
The case has been handed over to the Barelang Police for further investigation.
Strengthening National Security Collaboration
Head of
Batam Customs, Agung Widodo, stated that enforcement strategies are continuously adapted to counter evolving smuggling patterns.
"Batam Customs does not work alone. Strong collaboration with the police, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and the public is key to our success," Agung Widodo said.
He reaffirmed that all enforcement actions are conducted under applicable laws, while surveillance efforts will continue to be intensified to protect Indonesia's borders from illegal and dangerous goods.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala