Cirebon Customs Seize 1.6 Million Illegal Cigarettes at Ciperna Toll Exit

CIREBON — A joint operation by Cirebon Customs and the West Java Customs Regional Office foiled the transport of 1.6 million cigarettes without excise stamps near the Ciperna Toll Exit in Cirebon Regency on Saturday (10 October 2026).

Cirebon Customs chief Koen Rachmanto said the operation followed the gathering of information, surveillance and intelligence analysis concerning a logistics truck suspected of carrying illegal cigarettes through the agency’s area of supervision. A joint team then conducted intensive ground patrols at several key locations.

“When they found a truck matching the target and the information provided, the joint team immediately stopped and inspected it. During the field inspection, officers uncovered a carefully concealed smuggling method: plain machine-made kretek cigarettes (SKM), without excise stamps, had been packed and disguised inside cartons for snack foods to deceive officers,” Koen said.

A count of the seized goods found a total of 1,698,400 illegal cigarettes. They are estimated to be worth Rp2,522,124,000, while the potential loss to state excise revenue averted is Rp1,267,006,400.

Officers also detained the truck driver, identified by the initials STR, for further questioning. The alleged offence may violate Law No. 39/2007, which amended Law No. 11/1995 on Excise.

“Customs remains committed to carrying out its role as a community protector and safeguarding state revenue. Let us work together to combat illegal cigarettes,” Koen said.