INDOPOSCO.ID – Malang Customs has thwarted an attempt to ship hundreds of thousands of illegal cigarettes at two separate courier service locations. The operation was carried out during a routine land patrol on Tuesday (March 31) evening in Malang Regency.
The first operation took place at a courier service facility on Jalan Raya Suropati Raya, Bululawang District, Malang Regency. During the inspection, officers discovered machine-made kretek cigarettes (SKM) and machine-made white cigarettes (SPM) of various brands without excise stamps. A total of 5,410 packs, equivalent to 107,320 cigarette sticks, were seized in the first operation.
The second operation was conducted at another courier service location on Jalan Ledok Dowo, Pakis District, Malang Regency. At the site, officers again found illegal cigarettes without excise stamps, consisting of SKM and SPM, totaling 30,860 packs or 617,200 sticks.
Following the two discoveries, Malang Customs officers took enforcement action by issuing official seizure reports. All confiscated goods were transported to the Malang Customs Office for further processing.
From both operations, the total estimated value of the seized goods reached Rp1.076 billion (approximately), with potential state losses prevented amounting to Rp541 million.
Beyond the figures, the losses carry tangible implications for the public. If converted into direct cash assistance (BLT), the amount would be equivalent to aid for around 900 residents of Malang Regency.
Head of Malang Customs Office, Johan Pandores, stated that the enforcement action reflects the agency’s commitment to safeguarding state revenue while protecting the public from the circulation of illegal goods.
He emphasized that synergy between authorities and public participation is crucial to breaking the distribution chain of illegal cigarettes.
“We will continue to strengthen supervision, particularly along distribution channels such as courier services. We also call on the public to play an active role by reporting any indications of illegal cigarette distribution in their surroundings,” he said. (ipo)
