Malang Customs Foils Distribution of 49,000 Illegal Cigarettes

Malang Customs and Excise has once again thwarted an attempt to distribute illegal cigarettes suspected of being destined for areas outside Malang. During an enforcement operation carried out in the early hours of Sunday (21/6/2026), officers seized 49,400 sticks of illegal cigarettes without excise stamps, with potential state losses prevented amounting to Rp 36,948,400.

The enforcement action stemmed from intelligence information received by officers regarding a metallic grey passenger vehicle suspected of transporting illegal cigarettes. Acting on this information, Malang Customs conducted land patrols and surveillance along routes leading out of the Malang area believed to be used for distribution.

Based on their analysis, officers located the vehicle in question passing through the Sumberpucung area and heading towards Blitar Regency. As the vehicle had entered the operational jurisdiction of Blitar Customs, inter-unit coordination was carried out to continue the pursuit. The vehicle was eventually stopped on Jalan Raya Selatan, Selorejo District, Blitar Regency.

Upon inspection, officers discovered 2,550 packs, or 49,400 sticks, of illegal machine-rolled kretek cigarettes and machine-rolled white cigarettes of various brands, including Alphard and Sport, none of which bore excise stamps. All evidence, along with the vehicle and driver, was subsequently secured and taken to the Malang Customs Office for further examination in accordance with applicable regulations.

Head of the Malang Customs Office, Johan Pandores, asserted that every success in disrupting the circulation of illegal cigarettes is part of efforts to safeguard the state’s rights, the proceeds of which will be returned to the community. ‘We continue to optimise supervision through the use of intelligence information, field patrols, and cross-jurisdictional coordination to sever the distribution chain of illegal cigarettes,’ said Johan.

Johan urged the public not to buy, sell, or distribute illegal cigarettes. According to him, public participation in reporting suspected violations in the customs and excise sector provides crucial support for protecting state revenue while fostering a healthy and fair business climate.