Illegal Cigarette Warehouse in Serang Raided, 80 Bales Seized

Banten Regional Police have raided an illegal cigarette warehouse, lacking excise stamps, located in a house in the Baros area, Serang, Banten, on Tuesday (7/7).

The disclosure began after the Raimas team of the Banten Regional Police Ditsamapta received reports from the community regarding suspicious activities involving the unpacking of illegal cigarettes at the location.

“Upon arriving at the location, the Raimas Team conducted an inspection and found approximately 80 large packs of non-excise cigarettes stored inside the warehouse,” said the Head of Public Relations of Banten Regional Police, Kombes Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, in a statement on Wednesday (8/7).

At the scene, police also seized one box truck used to transport the illegal cigarettes, as well as three mobile phones. Additionally, police arrested three individuals suspected of being involved in the distribution of cigarettes without excise stamps.

“The three individuals detained are men with the initials AHS (33), AT (36), and MAA (32),” said Maruli.

Furthermore, Maruli stated that this exposure was the result of synergy between the police and the community in maintaining a conducive security and public order situation.

“We appreciate the community for playing an active role in providing information to the police,” he said.

Maruli also conveyed that the Banten Regional Police will continue to optimise the Maung Presisi Patrol as a preventive and repressive effort against various criminal acts within the Banten Regional Police jurisdiction.

“The Maung Presisi Patrol is not only present to maintain security but also to provide a rapid response to every piece of information from the community,” he said.

“We urge the public not to hesitate to report if they become aware of any activities suspected of breaking the law. Every report will be followed up professionally, transparently, and in accordance with applicable regulations,” he added.