Indonesia Customs seizes and destroys thousands of illegal cigarettes and contraband

In June 2026, Indonesia’s Customs Office in North Sulawesi (Sulbagtara) conducted Operation Nusa Maleo, recording 130 enforcement actions against illegal tobacco and alcohol products. Officers seized 107 tobacco cases, confiscating 270 illegal cigarettes and 739 related items, and intercepted 23 shipments of illicit alcoholic beverages totaling 1,117.4 liters. The operation highlighted land routes via the Trans‑Sulawesi highway and the use of courier services such as J&T Cargo and Pos Indonesia for distribution to Manado and Gorontalo. A notable raid at Palu’s Tipo Bus Terminal stopped 224,000 untaxed cigarettes. Through the ultimum remedium mechanism, the customs office secured Rp 130.334 million for the state.

Later in June, the Teluk Nibung Customs Office in North Sumatra destroyed 150 cartons of imported second‑hand clothing (balpres), 37,537 illegal cigarettes, 96 bottles of alcoholic drinks, seven vape pods and other prohibited items valued at roughly Rp 1 billion. Head of the office, Nutriwan Cahyono Putro, said the destruction underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting the public and maintaining a clean business climate.