Maubara,November 11, 2026 (Média Democracia) – A joint team of Timor-Leste security authorities seized 82 boxes of suspected smuggled goods in the coastal area of Dair, Maubara Administrative Post, Likisá Municipality, on Wednesday (11/1021), at 02:00 am.
According to information that Média Democracia accessed through the official website of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), the arrest occurred after the joint team received information from sources about the movement of two ships suspected of coming from neighboring Indonesia, carrying illegal goods to enter the territory of Timor-Leste through the maritime route.
Based on this information, the joint team conducted intensive surveillance and monitoring in the coastal area of Timor-Leste. Through this operation, the team managed to identify a ship that transported suspected illegal goods, and landed these goods in the area of Dair, Maubara.
The seized goods totaled 82 boxes, composed of 7 large boxes with brand oil AHM MPX2, with a capacity of 0.8 liters, and 75 small boxes with brand oil for transmission (Transmission Gear Oil).
These goods are suspected of being illegally transported from Indonesia into the territory of Timor-Leste through the maritime route.
At the time of the operation, the ship transporting these goods did not cooperate with the authorities, but abandoned the goods on the spot and the suspects fled by boat. Therefore, the joint team managed to secure these goods to become evidence for the investigation process.
After the seizure, the joint team took the goods to the base of the Maritime Police Unit (UPM) for verification and registration. After the verification process is completed, the evidence and relevant documentation are handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation Services (DSIK) to continue the investigation.
The investigation process will continue before presenting the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the competent court, to make a decision according to the law in force in Timor-Leste.
The joint operation involved the Maritime Police Unit (UPM), Customs Authority (AA), Criminal Investigation Services Directorate (DSIK), Police Information Services Directorate (DSIP), Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL), Criminal Investigation Scientific Police (PCIC), D2 F-FDTL, SILF-FTL-22 Naval Component and the National Intelligence and Strategic Service (SNIE).
Collaboration between security institutions and competent authorities is essential to strengthen surveillance at the maritime border, combat smuggling activities and prevent the entry of illegal goods that may violate laws and regulations in force in Timor-Leste.
Reporting: Octaviana da Costa
Photo: PNTL
