Indonesian Customs Seize Millions of Illicit Cigarettes in Separate Operations

Indonesian customs authorities have conducted two major operations resulting in the seizure of millions of illicit cigarettes.

In North Aceh, a joint effort by the Aceh Regional Customs Office and Lhokseumawe units intercepted the KM Suyanna GT 76 vessel in the Tanjung Jambo Aye waters. Authorities discovered approximately 10.85 million sticks of HD brand cigarettes lacking excise stamps. Five crew members were detained for investigation, and the vessel, along with communication devices and manifests, was seized.

In Malang, customs officials conducted land patrols and joint operations with the Batu City Government. This operation led to the seizure of 106,324 sticks of various machine-made clove and white cigarettes. The confiscated goods, which were being transported in an MPV, have an estimated value of approximately Rp161.9 million, preventing a potential state loss of over Rp80.8 million.