Customs Foils Circulation of 42,400 Illegal Cigarettes in Sigi

The Pantoloan Customs and Excise Office has prevented the circulation of illegal excisable tobacco products in Central Sulawesi. A total of 42,400 sticks of cigarettes were seized during an operation on Jalan Poros Palu–Bangga, in Baliase Village, Marawola District, Sigi Regency. Head of the Pantoloan Customs Office, Wing Hartopo, stated that the confiscated items included 22,000 sticks of Boss Mango Boost brand and 20,400 sticks of Boss Caffe Latte brand, none of which were affixed with excise bands. The total value of the seized goods is estimated at Rp 62.96 million, with potential state losses from unpaid excise duties and taxes amounting to Rp 41.03 million. The enforcement action stemmed from intelligence information regarding the suspected shipment of illegal excisable tobacco products using a travel car service. Following an inspection of the suspected vehicle, officers secured the evidence. The case is being processed through the ultimum remedium mechanism, with a settlement value of Rp 94,892,000. The circulation of illegal cigarettes not only reduces state revenue but also creates unfair business competition. Products without excise bands can be sold at cheaper prices because they evade excise payment obligations, potentially harming law-abiding business operators. Furthermore, the circulation of illegal products places the public in a vulnerable position, as these goods are outside the government’s supervisory framework. Wing Hartopo called on the public to actively participate in combating the circulation of illegal excisable goods. “Let us together support the eradication of illegal excisable goods circulation! By purchasing legal products with official excise bands, we contribute to safeguarding state revenue and fostering a healthy business climate,” he said.