Customs Seize 223,977 Illegal Cigarettes in NTT in Early 2026
A total of 223,977 cigarettes were secured by Customs during the period of January to March 2026 in the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) region. This enforcement was carried out through 31 excise law enforcement operations.
The Head of the Labuan Bajo Customs Office, Syahirul Alim, explained that most violations related to taxable goods (BKC) not affixed with excise stamps.
“26 excise enforcements included violations of BKC without excise stamps, with evidence consisting of 48,257 cigarettes,” clarified Syahirul Alim during a performance presentation at the NTT DJPb press conference held virtually, on Thursday (26/3/2026).
According to Alim, the circulation of illegal cigarettes in NTT remains extensive and is a serious concern for law enforcement agencies, including Customs. Nevertheless, cigarette tax management in the area is considered to be progressing, although it still faces several challenges.
The previous realisation of cigarette taxes has been completed, and it is hoped that in 2026, implementation can run more optimally through improved coordination with the NTT Provincial Government.
“Cigarette tax management as well as other revenues such as BPJLB in the NTT region already have a clear legal basis and serve as guidelines for their execution, including for socialisation activities, law enforcement, and support for social security and health programmes,” he explained.
He added that NTT is a region characterised as a consumption area, not a cigarette production area.
“With its vast territory and challenging distribution routes, these factors affect the supervision of illegal cigarette circulation,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Alim affirmed that Customs in NTT is committed to eradicating the circulation of illegal cigarettes in the region.
One measure taken, he said, is to strengthen synergy with law enforcement agencies such as the police, prosecutors, and TNI, as well as involving active community participation.
“The disclosure of illegal cigarette cases that we have carried out is also inseparable from community support in providing information, including from TNI/Polri; there have been several cases that have even reached the P-21 stage,” he explained.
He further noted that national policies on controlling illegal cigarettes are continuously strengthened by the central government to minimise their circulation. However, the issue of illegal cigarettes is considered highly complex, requiring collaboration from all parties.
Customs also urges the public not to consume illegal cigarettes to support efforts to control their distribution while safeguarding health.
“We hope that with reduced consumption, the circulation of illegal cigarettes will also decline, thereby positively impacting state revenue from excise duties as well as public health aspects,” he emphasised.
It is noted that Customs in NTT has conducted 13 customs enforcements since January 2026, covering violations, prohibitions and restrictions on administration, as well as other criminal violations.