PNTL Command Strengthens Security in Border Areas

The Command of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) has strengthened security in the land border areas between Timor-Leste and Indonesia to prevent illegal cross border activities.'

The General Commander of the PNTL, Commissioner Henrique da Costa, said that a joint team, composed of the Border Patrol Unit (UPF), the Special Police Unit (UEP), municipal police commands, and supported by local authorities, is working to control illegal activities at the border.

He explained that the joint operation aims to control all illegal activities at the border, including smuggling of cigarettes, gasoline, fireworks, and other illegal items.

"We are strengthening security at the border to prevent illegal activities because, as the end of the year approaches, these activities tend to increase significantly," he said.

He added that the police will not tolerate anyone attempting to bring goods from Indonesia into Timor-Leste illegally.

"Everything must pass through legal channels so that customs duties can be paid to the state treasury," said PNTL General Commander Commissioner Costa in a declaration at the Police Training Centre (CFP) in Comoro, Dili.

He stated that anyone caught using illegal routes will be apprehended by the joint team without tolerance and will be subjected to legal proceedings under applicable laws.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the UPF, Superintendent Euclides Belo, said that the team is currently conducting checkpoint operations at the border as communities often try to smuggle fireworks and cigarettes, using various methods to cross the border.

"We have observed some attempting to cross by sea, others through dry land. Fireworks, often hidden in car tires in quantities of one or two, are transported to their destination before being unloaded," he said.

He added that, based on the information they received, the team managed to seize a vehicle and inspect its tires, where they discovered hidden fireworks and cigarettes.

"We are keeping this evidence at the Border Patrol Unit headquarters and will hand them over to national investigations by the end of November to continue the process with the Public Prosecutor's Office," Superintendent Belo explained at the CFP.

He noted that the UPF is cooperating with police commands in three municipalities—Bobonaro, Covalima, and Oecusse and is continuously conducting surveillance and coordinating with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to ensure border security.