Inspection of Truck Leads Malang Customs to Discover 172,800 Illegal Cigarettes Packaged as Soap
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MALANG - Malang Customs thwarted the shipment of 172,800 cigarettes without excise stamps from a truck passing through Malang Regency in the early hours of Tuesday (7/4/2026).
The enforcement action began with information from the public regarding suspected illegal cigarette shipments using individual courier services via truck in Tumpang Subdistrict on Monday (6/4/2026) evening. Around 03.00 WIB on Tuesday (7/4/2026), the suspicious vehicle was observed starting to move. Officers then pursued and successfully stopped the truck on Suropati Road, Karanganyar Village, Poncokusumo Subdistrict.
In the initial inspection, officers found various types of goods inside the vehicle. After further investigation, indications of illegal cigarette cargo disguised as other items were found. The truck and its entire load were then taken to the Malang Customs office for in-depth examination.
The follow-up inspection revealed 46 cartons of Excise Goods from Tobacco Products (BKC HT) of machine-made clove cigarette (SKM) type, brand ZA, without excise stamps attached. The cigarettes were hidden in soap packaging to deceive officers. The total evidence seized amounted to 8,640 packs or equivalent to 172,800 cigarettes.
From this enforcement, the value of the goods is estimated at Rp 256,608,000 with a potential state loss of Rp 128,908,800. All evidence has been secured at the Malang Customs office for further processing.
The Head of Malang Customs Office, Johan Pandores, emphasised that this enforcement is part of Customs’ commitment to protecting state revenue. He stated that the circulation of illegal cigarettes not only harms the state but also creates unhealthy business competition.
Johan called on the public to actively participate in combating the circulation of illegal cigarettes. According to him, public support is crucial in maintaining state revenue stability and creating a fair and healthy business climate.