JAKARTA: Indonesia Customs and Excise Office in Batam, Riau Islands, has foiled an attempt to smuggle 1,300 tons of crude oil to Malaysia aboard a Mongolian-registered tanker the MT Kyosei Maru here the other day.
The vessel was intercepted after an hour-long chase and warning shots fired by customs officers.
“Based on observation our officers found the tanker filling up with oil from a local vessel. We are still investigating whether the 1,300 tons of crude oil originated from one vessel or several,” Batam Customs and Excise Office enforcement section head Emi Ludiyanto told the media.
The customs officers arrested the tanker skipper, identified as Yohanes Talembekas, and 10 crew. The customs office is currently ascertaining whether the entire crew comprises Indonesian citizens or foreign nationals.
According to Emi, the crew was still undergoing interrogation and would be held for three days at the Batam Customs and Excise Office.
