Illegal Cigarette Warehouse in Serang Raided, 80 Bales Seized

Banten Police uncovered an illegal cigarette warehouse in a house in the Baros area of Serang, Banten, on Tuesday (7/7). The discovery began when the Raimas team of the Banten Police’s Directorate of Samapta received a report from the public regarding suspicious activity involving the unpacking of illegal cigarettes at the location. Upon arriving at the scene, the Raimas team conducted an inspection and found approximately 80 bales of non-excise cigarettes stored in the warehouse, said Head of Public Relations of the Banten Police, Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, in a statement on Wednesday (8/7). At the location, police also seized a box truck used to transport the illegal cigarettes and three mobile phones. Additionally, police arrested three men suspected of involvement in the distribution of the cigarettes without excise stamps. The three individuals detained are identified by the initials AHS (33), AT (36), and MAA (32), Maruli stated. He further noted that the disclosure was the result of synergy between the police and the community in maintaining a conducive security and public order situation. We appreciate the public for playing an active role in providing information to the police, he said. Maruli added that the Banten Police will continue to optimise the Maung Presisi Patrol as a preventive and repressive measure against various criminal acts within the Banten Police jurisdiction. The Maung Presisi Patrol is not only present to maintain security, but also to provide a rapid response to any information from the public, he said. We urge the public not to hesitate to report any activities suspected of violating the law. Every report will be followed up professionally, transparently, and in accordance with applicable regulations, he continued.