Customs Officers' Night Raid on Madura Shop Sparks Controversy in Search of Illegal Cigarettes
A video of Customs officers raiding a Madura shop late at night has become a hot topic on social media. Allegations of fake officers and extortion (pungli) have been dismissed by Customs.
It began when a TikTok account owner uploaded a video showing two individuals wearing Customs vests approaching their shop. The pair then checked several spots inside the shop in search of illegal cigarettes.
The search was conducted at night, leaving the shopkeeper or owner puzzled. The shop owner even asked for the duty letters carried by the two officers.
In the narrative circulating on social media, the raid was initially reported to have occurred in Balaraja, Tangerang, Banten. However, the Customs inspection actually took place in Tegal, Central Java.
Customs Provides Explanation
The Customs authority stated that the two individuals inspecting the Madura shop were official officers. They affirmed that the operation was carried out in accordance with procedures.
The video of Customs officers checking the Madura shop went viral on social media in early May. However, Customs explained that the inspection occurred in April.
“It is true that on 14 April 2026, Customs officers in Tegal carried out an inspection task at three locations, specifically in Balamoa Village, Pangkah Subdistrict, Tegal Regency, Central Java,” stated Customs Tegal on their Instagram account @bctegal.official on Friday (8/5/2026).
Customs Tegal said the inspection was conducted at night because they received information about a suspected shipment of illegal cigarettes at the location on Tuesday (14/4) afternoon.
“The inspection was carried out based on information from the public that there was a suspected shipment of illegal cigarettes at the location that afternoon,” said Customs Tegal.
Customs Notes
They stated that the two officers in the viral video acted in accordance with procedures by showing official identification and duty orders to the shop manager/keeper. However, no illegal cigarettes were found during the check.
“We convey that the results of the inspection showed no violations or illegal cigarettes were found, so the officers immediately completed the task and returned to the office,” they said.
They stated that this inspection is mandated by law (UU) as part of efforts to create a healthy business climate and protect state revenues from the excise sector. Customs invites the public to support the ‘Crush Illegal Cigarettes’ programme and to be cooperative during inspections.
“As a note, the network of shops in question was fined in 2025 for selling illegal cigarettes,” they revealed.
Denies Extortion
Customs has dismissed reports of extortion during the illegal cigarette raid. The Customs authority refuted the allegations and emphasised that the operation was conducted in accordance with procedures.
“Regarding allegations of extortion, we emphasise that during the inspection, there was no request or receipt of money in any form,” said the Head of the Internal Compliance and Outreach Section of the Tegal Type Madya Customs Supervision and Service Office, Aflachul.
“The officers present in carrying out the task have shown identification and duty orders to the building manager/keeper in accordance with procedures,” he said.