Indonesia customs destroys 53 million illegal cigarettes worth over Rp78 billion

Customs officials in Indonesia seized and destroyed large quantities of illegal cigarettes in two operations. In Sidoarjo, East Java, the Customs Office and Satpol PP burned 9,096,760 illegal sticks valued at Rp13.05 billion, averting an estimated state loss of Rp8.8 billion. The destruction took place at the Sentra Industri Hasil Tembakau facility on 24 June 2026.

In West Java, the regional Customs office and the provincial government publicly destroyed 44,028,306 illegal sticks worth Rp65.18 billion. These cigarettes were seized between July 2025 and May 2026, contributing to a total seizure of 49.05 million sticks valued at Rp72.93 billion. The operation saved the state an estimated Rp32.95 billion and generated Rp1.1 billion in revenue. Authorities also reported one criminal case referred to prosecutors and 28 cases resolved under the ultimum remedium principle, emphasizing community awareness and cooperation in combating illegal tobacco trade.