ASIATODAY.ID, ACEH — Authorities have dismantled a wildlife smuggling network in Aceh.
Customs officers in Langsa, together with a joint task force, thwarted the illegal export of hundreds of endangered animals allegedly destined for Thailand, during an operation in Pante Bayam, Madat District, East Aceh Regency, on Friday night, January 30, 2026.
The crackdown began after tip-offs from local residents on Thursday, January 29, 2026 about plans to ship endangered wildlife via maritime routes in East Aceh. Officials conducted intensive surveillance, mapping local docks that were suspected to be used for smuggling.
At 7:24 PM on Friday, authorities identified a suspicious truck in Pante Bayam. The vehicle, bearing license plate BL 8224 DO and driven by AS (41), was stopped, and its illegal cargo was immediately discovered.
Orangutans, Rare Birds, and Animal Skulls Seized
Further inspection revealed 53 crates containing live animals and wildlife parts, including: 1 female orangutan, 3 surili monkeys (Sumatran lutung), Various protected birds, including, birds-of-paradise, hornbills, cockatoos, mynas, parakeets, and nuri bayan, 4 albino bats, Snakes in boxes, 5 carnivorous animal skulls, 30 crates of frozen horseshoe crabs and Most of the animals were still alive and classified as protected species under Indonesian law.
Lhokseumawe–East Aceh–Thailand Smuggling Route
Initial statements from the suspect indicated the truck departed from a warehouse in Lhokseumawe, collected more cargo in Alue Bili, North Aceh, and then headed to East Aceh, which is suspected to be the transshipment point to speedboats destined for Thailand.
Violations of Conservation Law and CITES
The seized wildlife is protected under Law No. 32 of 2024 on the Conservation of Biological Resources and Ecosystems, and listed under CITES, which strictly regulates international trade. The law explicitly prohibits capturing, transporting, trading, or exporting protected wildlife without official permits.
Langsa Customs Chief, Dwi Harmawanto, emphasized:
“Langsa Customs will continue strengthening inter-agency coordination to combat illegal wildlife trade, which threatens Indonesia’s biodiversity.”
All evidence, vehicles, and suspects have been handed over to the Forestry Law Enforcement Office for Sumatra for further legal proceedings. (AT Network)
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