Customs Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Cigarettes by Targeting Distribution and Delivery Points
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Customs is intensifying its monitoring and crackdown on illegal cigarettes through various operations carried out in several regions. This measure is taken to protect the public from the circulation of products that do not meet the requirements, maintain a healthy business climate for legal businesses, and support state revenue from the excise sector.
In Aceh, the Lhokseumawe Customs Office, together with the Satpol PP (Public Order Agency) and Wilayatul Hisbah (WH) of Lhokseumawe City, held a joint operation called “Gempur Rokok Ilegal” (Crackdown on Illegal Cigarettes) on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The operation was carried out in several strategic areas, including Banda Sakti District on Jalan Darussalam and Jalan Pase, Muara Dua District along Jalan Medan–Banda Aceh, and Blang Mangat District.
Head of the Sub-Directorate of Public Relations and Education of Customs, Budi Prasetiyo, stated that in addition to monitoring the circulation of illegal cigarettes, the joint team also prioritizes a persuasive and educational approach to traders.
Officers provide an understanding of the impact of illegal cigarettes on state revenue, healthy business competition, and the risks to public health.
“Traders are also urged to ensure the legality of the products they sell and understand the legal consequences of distributing illegal cigarettes,” he explained in a statement quoted on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Meanwhile, in Banten Province, the Banten Customs Office carried out the “Gurita” Operation from May 16-25, 2026, in Tangerang Regency. The operation focused on inspecting goods at several Forwarding Service Companies (PJT) to anticipate the distribution of illegal cigarettes through delivery routes.
The Banten Customs Office aims to ensure that the distribution of excise goods is in accordance with legal provisions. “Monitoring is also carried out as a preventive measure to encourage business actors to comply and carry out their business activities legally and in an orderly manner,” added Budi.
In South Sulawesi, the Parepare Customs Office also increased monitoring through market operations in several areas of supervision, including Sidrap Regency, Pinrang, Barru, and Enrekang. These activities include socializing the identification of types of illegal cigarettes as well as taking action against illegal cigarettes in circulation.
Routine monitoring is carried out as a follow-up to information and complaints from the public regarding alleged circulation of illegal cigarettes. The Parepare Customs Office hopes that massive monitoring can reduce the number of illegal cigarettes circulating in its area of operation.
According to Budi, through these various operations, Customs also invites the public to actively participate in reporting indications of illegal cigarette circulation in their surroundings.
“The participation of the public and the compliance of business actors are important factors in creating healthy trade, protecting consumers, and providing a fairer business space for the tobacco industry that complies with the provisions,” he concluded.