The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) through the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) have arrested 31-year-old man for illegally importing fish to Timor-Leste from Indonesia.
Deputy General Commander of PNTL Commissioner Faustino da Costa said an immediate investigation was launched by quarantine after the suspect was detained at the Batugade border in Bobonaro municipality on September 17.
The results of investigation showed that the suspect had been intending to sell the fish in Timor.
“Police seized several buckets of fish and investigated [the case] and then concluded the process immediately,” said da Costa.
He said Timor’s border was very broad, but police continued to work efficiently to implement law and order.
He also pledged to strengthen border controls in order to avoid such cases in the future.
However, National MP Anna Ribeiro said the fact that the Indonesian citizen had entered Timor illegally without fear showed he was aware of border weaknesses.
“They think our security is not strong [and] therefore they enter without fear,” she said.
She therefore called on the PNTL to strengthen border controls and prevent illegal goods entering Timor.
She said legal and illegal activities were clearly defined in the law and police should ensure it is well implementated.
