Gorontalo Customs Destroys Hundreds of Thousands of Illegal Cigarette Sticks Worth Billions of Rupiah
GORONTALO - The Gorontalo Customs Office has destroyed illegal excise goods (BKC) seized in excise enforcement operations from 2025 to early 2026. The destruction took place in the courtyard of the Gorontalo Customs Office on Thursday (23/4/2026).
The Head of the Gorontalo Customs Office, Ade Zirwan, explained that the destroyed items were classified as state-owned goods (BMMN) and had received approval from the Gorontalo State Wealth and Auction Service Office (KPKNL) for destruction.
He stated that the total quantity destroyed amounted to 994,052 cigarette sticks without excise stamps, with an estimated value of Rp1,239,717,820 and a potential state revenue of Rp743,295,592.
“The destroyed items are excise goods categorised as illegal because they lack excise stamps, so they are not permitted to circulate in the market,” said Ade.
The destruction was carried out by burning the cigarettes without excise stamps until they were completely destroyed and could not be used or resold. This method was chosen to ensure that the illegal goods were thoroughly eliminated, preventing any potential re-circulation in society.
Ade emphasised that the destruction serves as concrete evidence of Customs’ role and responsibility as a community protector tasked with shielding the public from the distribution of illegal goods. The activity also stems from the strategic synergy and collaboration among all law enforcement agencies in Gorontalo Province.
“We extend our thanks to all involved parties for their support and cooperation in managing BMMN, enabling the destruction to proceed smoothly. We hope this good cooperation continues to be enhanced in the future to realise a Gorontalo free from the circulation of illegal goods,” said Ade.
The destruction event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Finance, including the Head of the North Sulawesi Region Customs Office, representatives from the Gorontalo Regional Directorate General of Treasury Office, the Head of the Gorontalo State Wealth and Auction Service Office, the Head of the Gorontalo State Treasury Service Office, and the Head of the Gorontalo Primary Tax Service Office.
Additionally, present were the Secretary General of the Gorontalo City Government, the Head of the Provincial Civil Service Police Unit of Gorontalo, the Commander of the Gorontalo Naval Base, the Commander of the Gorontalo City Military District Command 1304, the Head of the Gorontalo City Police Resort, the Head of the Gorontalo District Prosecutor’s Office, and the Head of the Gorontalo Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency.
Also in attendance were the Head of the Class III Port Authority and Harbour Master’s Office of Gorontalo, leaders of the Indonesian Express Delivery, Postal, and Logistics Services Association (Asperindo) Gorontalo, executives of delivery service companies in the Gorontalo region, as well as local sub-district and village officials.