Jayapura Customs Seizes 24,000 Illicit Cigarettes
Jayapura Customs has thwarted an attempt to distribute 24,000 illegal cigarettes, which were allegedly being sent through a courier service provider. The enforcement action took place during a surveillance operation on Monday (27/07/2026) at the Trigana Air Cargo area, Yabaso Street, Sentani District, Jayapura Regency.
The operation was initiated following reports regarding the suspected shipment of tobacco products that did not comply with excise regulations via a courier service. In response to this information, the Jayapura Customs Surveillance Team coordinated with Trigana Air Cargo officials to inspect 33 packages of tobacco products at the location.
Upon physical inspection, officers discovered two packages containing 1,200 packs of ‘Retro Bold’ machine-rolled clove cigarettes (SKM), equivalent to 24,000 sticks. These items were suspected of lacking the required excise stamps or potentially using counterfeit stamps. The total value of the seized goods is estimated at Rp 35,640,000, with potential state revenue losses of Rp 17,904,000 successfully prevented.
“We have secured all seized goods at the Jayapura Customs Office for further investigation and in-depth research. Additionally, we are tracing the sender through the courier service, as the provided identity information remains limited,” said the Head of Jayapura Customs, Fungki Awaludin.
He emphasised that surveillance of distribution channels, particularly those involving courier services and air freight, will continue to be strengthened as a preventive measure to suppress the circulation of illegal excise goods within the Jayapura Customs jurisdiction.
“The circulation of illegal cigarettes not only threatens state revenue from the excise sector but also harms businesses that comply with existing laws and regulations. Therefore, Customs will continue to synergise with various parties to strengthen supervision at distribution points that could potentially be used as routes for illegal cigarettes,” added Fungki.
The suspected perpetrators may have violated Articles 54 and/or 56 of Law Number 11 of 1995 concerning Excise, as amended most recently by Law Number 7 of 2021 regarding the Harmonisation of Tax Regulations (HPP).
“We urge the public not to buy, sell, or distribute illegal cigarettes and to play an active role in reporting any suspected excise violations. Public support is a vital part of safeguarding state revenue, creating healthy business competition, and supporting equitable economic growth in Papua,” concluded Fungki.