Gorontalo's Polairud Directorate foiled the smuggling of 1.9 tons of cyanide disguised as fertilizer from the Philippines. The smuggling boat ran aground in North Gorontalo on April 13, 2026. The owner, LP alias Ko Lexi, remains at large along with the crew.
A fiber panboat named SAR.01.1824 ran aground in Motihelumo Village, East Sumalata Subdistrict, North Gorontalo, on Monday, April 13, 2026, due to engine failure. The vessel carried 39 sacks of cyanide totaling 1.9 tons, packaged with organic fertilizer labels to deceive officials.
Gorontalo Police Polairud Director, Commissioner Big Police Devy Firmansyah, said the case began with a public report. Testing at the North Sulawesi Police Forensic Laboratory on April 15, 2026, confirmed the sacks contained cyanide (CN) compound. "The boat was found stranded due to engine damage and upon inspection was loaded with dozens of sacks disguised with organic fertilizer labels, but the contents were strongly suspected to be cyanide," he stated on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Investigators identified LP alias Ko Lexi as the owner of the illegal goods. Before police arrived, LP was seen transporting some cargo using an open-bed truck. The helmsman and three crew members fled when the boat ran aground.
Ditpolairud Polda Gorontalo is coordinating with Ditintelkam, Ditreskrimum, Ditreskrimsus, Customs Office, and Immigration to pursue the suspects. The case involves multiple charges, including Law No. 17 of 2006 on Customs with a maximum 10-year prison sentence, as well as shipping, trade, and consumer protection laws. "This case involves transporting hazardous goods without permission, customs violations, and packaging label manipulation. The investigation continues to chase those responsible," added Devy Firmansyah.
