Lanal Labuan Bajo Thwarts Smuggling of 112,000 Illegal Cigarette Sticks
The Indonesian Navy’s Lanal Labuan Bajo, together with the West Manggarai Police Resort and the Customs Office, thwarted the smuggling of 112,000 illegal cigarette sticks without tax stamps at the ASDP Labuan Bajo ferry port in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), in the early hours of Thursday (7/5). The potential state loss from the smuggling is estimated to exceed Rp108 million.
Lanal Labuan Bajo Commander, Lieutenant Colonel (N) Tri Yudha, stated that the illegal cigarettes were smuggled using a box truck transported on the KMP Cakalang ferry from Sape, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
“The goods were known to have been sent from Lombok with the final destination being the Ende area in Flores,” revealed Tri Yudha on Friday (8/5/2026).
Tri Yudha explained that the case’s discovery began when BKO Port Security personnel from Lanal Labuan Bajo conducted a routine inspection of vehicles disembarking from the KMP Cakalang on the Sape to Labuan Bajo route.
During the inspection, officers became suspicious of a red box truck with licence plate AG 8539 UG owned by PT SLA, which was carrying mixed logistics cargo.
“After a thorough inspection, officers found seven bales of illegal ‘Helium’ brand cigarettes without tax stamps, neatly hidden in the upper cabin of the truck to evade detection by authorities,” Yudha clarified.
Based on initial examination, the driver with initials AH and the assistant with initials IS are suspected of using the modus operandi of inserting illegal cigarettes among official cargo consisting of cat food, sandals, and household appliances.
“From coordination with the Customs side, the potential state loss from the smuggling is estimated at Rp108,372,880,” he said.
Yudha stated that both suspected perpetrators along with all evidence have been secured for further legal proceedings and investigation in accordance with applicable customs and excise laws.
“Currently, both suspected perpetrators along with all evidence have been secured for further legal proceedings and investigation in accordance with applicable customs and excise laws,” he added.
He emphasised that the success in uncovering this case is the result of synergy between the Indonesian Navy, National Police, and Customs in maintaining regional security stability and protecting state revenue from illegal practices.
He assured that surveillance at port entry points will continue to be tightened to prevent the circulation of illegal goods that could harm the state and disrupt community economic stability.
“This success is concrete proof of the Indonesian Navy’s commitment, together with related apparatus, in maintaining maritime security in the region and eradicating all forms of legal violations in the Koarmada VII working area,” he concluded.