Egyptian National Arrested for Attempted Smuggling of Endangered Gibbons
Tangerang. An Egyptian national was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang after authorities discovered three endangered gibbons hidden in his suitcase.
The man, identified by his initials GMA, 36, was preparing to board a flight to the United Arab Emirates when customs officials intercepted him, acting on a tip from the public.
During the search, officials uncovered a Siamang and two Owa Ungko (agile gibbons) concealed in a carton box and a bamboo cage, hidden beneath snacks and clothing.
“When the suitcase was inspected in the presence of the passenger, we found the three small apes, including a Siamang and two Owa Ungko,” said Gatot Sugeng Wibowo, head of the Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office.
The gibbons, native to Sumatra, are classified as endangered species. Siamangs and Owa Ungkos possess distinctive throat sacs capable of producing loud, resonant calls. These animals typically weigh around 5 kilograms each.
GMA was carrying a Jakarta-Dubai ticket for Emirates Airlines flight EK-357, according to Gatot.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had obtained the gibbons from an Indonesian trader and intended to smuggle them into the UAE. GMA reportedly admitted to being involved in the illegal trade of endangered Asian species, trafficking them to countries in the Middle East and Africa.
The suspect is facing charges under Indonesia's customs law, which carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of Rp 5 billion ($322,268).
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Pokémon Cards Trigger Extended Customs Check at Indonesia’s Main Airport
A passenger carrying large quantities of Pokémon cards was questioned by customs officials at Jakarta’s main airport.Indonesia Tightens Hantavirus Screening at Soekarno-Hatta Airport
Indonesia tightens hantavirus screening at Jakarta airport with thermal checks and monitoring of flights from affected countries.The Latest
Ferry Carrying 250 People Catches Fire Off Madura, Rescue Underway
A rescue operation is underway after a ferry carrying about 250 people caught fire off Madura, East Java.New BGN Chief Faces Fresh Mass Food Poisoning Case Nine Days Into Role
More than 700 students and teachers fell ill in the latest food poisoning case linked to Indonesia's free meals program.SEZs Draw $1.8 Billion in Investment as Indonesia Expands Industrial Hubs
Indonesia's Special Economic Zones attracted Rp 32 trillion in investment in the first half, with foreign investors leading the way.Prabowo Says South Korea's Lee Asked Indonesia to Help Open Dialogue With North Korea
President Prabowo Subianto says South Korea's Lee Jae Myung asked Indonesia to help open dialogue with North Korea.Pullman Hotel Fire in Jakarta Suspected to Stem From Electrical Fault
Police will deploy a forensic team to investigate a fire at Pullman Hotel in West Jakarta, with an electrical fault suspected as the cause.Most Popular
