Batam Customs Secures 1.3 Million Illegal Cigarettes Throughout May 2026
The circulation of cigarettes without excise stamps remains the most common violation detected by Batam Customs and Excise. Throughout May 2026, the agency recorded 54 enforcement actions against various customs and excise violations, with illegal cigarette cases dominating.
Head of the Batam Customs and Excise Office, Agung Widodo, stated that his team successfully secured approximately 1.3 million illicit tobacco sticks from 11 evidence of enforcement documents during the period.
One of the largest enforcement actions occurred in the waters off Tanjung Piayu on 18 May 2026. During a maritime patrol operation, officers secured 886,650 cigarettes without excise stamps being transported on an unnamed wooden vessel.
According to Agung, the vessel was initially suspected because it was operating in the Tanjung Piayu waters. When officers attempted to conduct an inspection, the crew fled into a mangrove forest, abandoning the vessel and its entire cargo.
“From the inspection results, 886,650 illegal cigarettes of various brands and types were found. We immediately secured the entire cargo along with the means of transport for further legal proceedings,” he said on Tuesday (9/6).
In addition to Tanjung Piayu, Batam Customs also cracked down on illegal cigarette smuggling in the waters off Citlim Island on 8 May 2026, with evidence totalling 380,800 cigarettes.
Meanwhile, in the waters off Pangkil on 18 May 2026, officers secured 80,990 illegal cigarettes, with the case being resolved through the ultimum remedium mechanism.
Beyond tackling the circulation of illegal cigarettes, Batam Customs also handled various other violations throughout May 2026. These included four cases of carrying undeclared cash totalling Rp747.5 million, two narcotics cases involving cannabis and vapes containing etomidate, and 13 enforcement actions against illegal ballpress or used clothing amounting to 147 bales.
Agung emphasised that surveillance in the Batam region will continue to be strengthened through synergy with various relevant agencies to suppress smuggling practices and other customs violations.
“Collaboration is a crucial factor. We will continue to strengthen surveillance to protect the public, support a healthy business climate, and safeguard state revenue,” he said.
Batam Customs hopes that the ongoing surveillance efforts can suppress the circulation of illegal goods while creating healthier business competition in the border region.