Aceh police seize 32 tons of diesel, arrest 22 suspects

Banda Aceh, Aceh (ANTARA) - Aceh police seized 32 metric tons of subsidized diesel fuel during a weeklong operation targeting suspected fuel misuse across the province, a police spokesman said here Tuesday.

The operation, which ran from October 19 to 25, resulted in 19 police reports, said Senior Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, head of the Aceh Police Public Relations Division.

Police also arrested 22 people and named them suspects in cases involving the misuse of subsidized fuel, he said.

The suspects were arrested in several subdistricts within the jurisdictions of Aceh's district and municipal police units. Officers also seized 18 four- and six-wheeled vehicles.

The operation aimed to prevent the misuse of subsidized fuel that could disrupt distribution and availability, as well as cause long lines at gas stations, Joko said.

"Police will continue to take legal action against those suspected of violating regulations on subsidized fuel. This follows Aceh Police Chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan's directive to crack down on violations and ensure proper distribution," he said.

The crackdown had helped reduce vehicle queues at several gas stations in Aceh, Joko said, adding that police would strengthen oversight and act on suspected violations to ensure subsidized fuel reached eligible recipients and was not diverted.

He also urged residents to report suspected stockpiling, unauthorized fuel sales, or misuse of subsidized fuel via police hotline 110 or by visiting the nearest police station.

"We urge people to buy fuel only as needed and refrain from engaging in illegal distribution or trade. Businesses must comply with distribution regulations to ensure subsidized fuel reaches the people it is intended to serve," Joko said.

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Translator: M.Haris SA, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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