Díli, Oct. 14, 2025 (Lusa) — The Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) seized used ammunition, packed in three drums, imported into the country from the United States by an international company, a police spokesman said on Tuesday.
"The three drums contained used ammunition, not new ammunition. This old material was seized at the port of Tibar," Chief Superintendent João Belo dos Reis told journalists.
At a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Dili, the spokesman explained that, upon detecting the presence of the ammunition, the police immediately returned the material to the container, sealed it and cordoned off the area with security tape.
The police identified an international company as responsible for bringing the material into the country.
"We are investigating which company brought in this material. This means that we are collecting data and tracking its commercial activities," said João Belo dos Reis.
The company in question, which is located in Tibar, allegedly imports material for the purpose of recycling and trading heavy metals, such as scrap vehicles, engines and other metal objects.
"We are also working with our international partners to determine exactly what type of material this is, how it was used, and whether it poses a danger to the country. Therefore, the investigation is ongoing and will be referred to the court," explained the official.
When asked about the origin of the ammunition, the spokesperson confirmed that, according to documentation obtained by the authorities, the material came from the United States, having transited through Singapore before arriving in Timor-Leste.
As for the purpose of bringing the ammunition into the country, João Belo dos Reis explained that the company claimed it intended to extract valuable metals (such as lead or copper) for commercial purposes. However, the investigation is still ongoing.
"These are not active weapons, but used and inactive ammunition. They are ammunition that has already been fired, i.e. empty or damaged cartridges, according to the company's statement," said the spokesperson.
The chief superintendent acknowledged that this is the first time that the Timorese authorities have detected an international company importing used ammunition into Timor-Leste.
In this regard, he called on the authorities to place permanent police forces at the port of Tibar.
"We, as security authorities, have long requested the deployment of a police team to the Port of Tibar to ensure that all cargo and documentation entering the country is properly inspected," he said.
The spokesperson also stressed that the presence of the police is crucial to ensure that all goods entering and leaving the country are scanned to identify any dangerous materials, prohibited goods or other illegal cargo.
"When a shipment does not comply with the law, the authorities must intervene immediately," concluded João Belo dos Reis.
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