Indonesian police seize illegal second-hand clothing imports

Indonesian law enforcement agencies have conducted major operations to intercept illegal imports of second-hand clothing, known locally as ballpres.

In Subang, West Java, the Bareskrim Polri Economic and Special Crimes Directorate discovered 1,257 bales of clothing stored in a warehouse. The estimated value of the seized goods is approximately Rp15 billion, with individual bales valued between Rp6 million and Rp12 million. Authorities believe the illegal storage and trade activities have been ongoing since September 2026.

Separately, the North Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumut) intercepted a truck transporting 144 bales of second-hand clothing on the Medan–Kuala Namu–Tebing Tinggi toll road. The shipment was traveling from Bandung, West Java, to Medan. This seizure represents a potential state loss of Rp432 million. Police are currently investigating the drivers and the transport service provider to uncover the broader smuggling network.