Batam Customs Seize 1.12 Million Illegal Cigarettes from Unmanned Speedboat on Panjang Island
Batam Customs has once again thwarted the circulation of illegal dutiable goods by seizing 1.12 million cigarette sticks without excise stamps from an unmanned speedboat. The vessel, powered by twin 200-horsepower engines, was discovered beached in the mangrove forest area of Panjang Island on the afternoon of Thursday, 12 March 2026.
The enforcement action commenced following observation and situational analysis by officers regarding suspicious activities in the region. Acting on this information, the Customs Maritime Patrol Task Force BC-11001 conducted a sweep of the area and discovered the suspicious speedboat at approximately 14:00 local time in a beached condition.
Upon initial inspection, officers found no crew members at the location. After taking control of the vessel, personnel coordinated with the local neighbourhood head and the BC-1001 Maritime Patrol Task Force to assist with the evacuation process. Following extraction efforts, the speedboat and its cargo were successfully removed from the mangrove forest area at approximately 16:30 local time.
Inspection at the location revealed that the vessel was transporting illegal cigarettes without excise stamps. Officers immediately conducted seizure and sealing procedures on the transport vessel and all of its cargo. Subsequently, the vessel and evidence were brought to Tanjung Uncang Customs Wharf for further processing, arriving at approximately 17:30 local time.
From detailed inspection, it was determined that the cargo comprised 75 cartons containing 640,000 cigarettes of H-Mind brand and 40 cartons containing 480,000 cigarettes of OFO-Bold brand. The total reached 1.12 million cigarette sticks with an estimated value of Rp 1.66 billion and a potential state loss of Rp 835.52 million.
Agung Widodo, Head of Batam Customs Office, affirmed that Customs will continue to strengthen surveillance, particularly on maritime routes vulnerable to smuggling operations.
“This enforcement action is not only to protect government revenue, but also to protect the public from illegal goods and to ensure fairness for industries that comply with regulations,” he stated.
He further added that cooperation with the community is an important factor in supporting the success of field surveillance. Therefore, Customs urged the public not to become involved in the distribution or consumption of illegal goods and to actively report any suspected violations they encounter.