Buleleng Water Police is carrying out extra patrols on Wednesday in the North Bali coastal area.
The head of the regency’s Water Police Putu Aryana says the patrols are aimed to target crime via sea, such as the smuggling in of illegal goods, people illegally entering Bali, as well as unlawful entry by terrorists (a legit concern of the government here).
The first patrol of the day was conducted in waters bordering Buleleng and Banyuwangi, East Java, in coordination with Banyuwangi Water Police, to screen for blast fishing.
“We are also patrolling along the border of Buleleng and Karangasem, where we are coordinating with Karangasem Water Police in anticipation of the influx of illegal residents and the smuggling in of animals such as cattle and poultry,” Aryana told Tribun Bali.
However, Aryana says they have not ruled out the possibility that people up to illegal activities will try and use smaller, more remote routes, so police are doing their best to tighten the maritime patrol.
