Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) reported that it successfully intercepted 33 attempts to smuggle illegal goods, including drugs and weapons, and 24 human trafficking operations in the country's territorial waters in 2024.
TNI Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali stated that the navy's operations in 2024 successfully disrupted the trafficking of persons, thereby safeguarding 215 victims comprising Indonesian migrant workers and foreign nationals.
In Nabire, Central Papua, navy personnel foiled a gun-smuggling attempt while in East Java, they disrupted an operation to smuggle human organs from Sidoarjo into India, he revealed here on Friday.
Baca juga: TNI AL rampungkan uji kemampuan tiga pasukan khususnya
In the organ trafficking case, the navy captured five Indonesians, identified as AFH (31), AW (28), MBA (29), RA (29), and NIA (28). Additionally, the navy secured 84.75 kg of cocaine from 18 drug smuggling cases.
In addition to confiscating cocaine worth Rp400 billion (US$1 = around Rp16,200), the TNI-AL personnel also secured 72.9 kg of methamphetamine, 14.2 kg of marijuana, and 500 ecstasy pills from the arrested suspects.
Baca juga: TNI AL siapkan bakti sosial dan kesehatan untuk warga Bali
Admiral Ali emphasized that the TNI-AL would remain vigilant and continue efforts against threats to Indonesian waters, which are susceptible to maritime crimes, including smuggling.
In addressing this problem, Ali highlighted the importance of strengthening synergy among related government agencies. The TNI-AL has been part of a counter-smuggling desk established by the government in November 2024, he added.
