Indonesia customs seize 8.2 million illegal cigarettes at Merak‑Bakauheni crossing

Indonesia’s Banten and Merak customs offices intercepted a smuggling operation at the Merak‑Bakauheni ferry terminal on 11 June 2026. Two trucks— a Colt Diesel (license D80XXFM) and a Hino Fuso (license BM84XXDN)—were stopped after authorities received a tip about illegal cargo. Inspectors uncovered 182 cartons of OK BOLD kretek cigarettes (2.912 million sticks) hidden in the first truck and 535 cartons of Double Happiness machine‑rolled cigarettes (5.350 million sticks) concealed beneath animal feed in the second truck, totalling 8.262 million illegal cigarettes.

The seized tobacco was valued at roughly Rp 12.68 billion, averting an estimated state revenue loss of Rp 7.9 billion in excise, tax and value‑added tax. The operation was coordinated by the Banten regional customs office, Merak customs, local police and the Banten prosecutor’s office. A driver identified only as “JFR” was detained as a suspect and is being investigated for multiple violations of Indonesia’s customs law.

Customs Director General Djaka Budhi Utama highlighted the seizure as part of ongoing efforts to protect public health and state revenue from illicit tobacco trade.