DILI, 12 march 2024 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste Traffic Police are intensifying checkpoints to crack down on illegal motorcycles in Timor-Leste.
Luis Soares, the Police Commander responsible for leading and commanding the Traffic Police Operation said that the PNTL has seized thousands of illegal motorcycles in the country.
“We have recorded more than 1,700 cases of illegal motorcycles in Oe-Cusse, and more than 1,300 cases in Covalima,” Soares said.
He reported that these motorcycles were illegally brought into the country through several illegal land border crossing points in the western municipalities – Oe-Cusse, Covalima, and Bobonaro: “Most of these motorbikes came from Indonesia.”
Currently, there are three points for authorized crossings for both Timorese and Indonesian nationalities – Sakato, Oe-cusse, and Salele. However, there are still many crossing points where illegal motorcycles are brought in at night.
Earlier, Parliament asked the government to increase the number of officers of the Border Police Unit (UPF) in border areas, stressing that UPFs should be equipped with adequate and modern technology to support their operations to control illegal crossing.
“Illegal crossings and transactions continue to increase in the border areas, as a result, many illegal motorcycles have been brought in and are now circulating in the country,” Soares said.
Soares called on the owners of the seized motorcycles to immediately submit their documents so that the motorcycles can be returned, otherwise, the motorcycles will be handed over to the Directorate General of State Property for auction.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
