Malang Customs Seizes 1.4 Million Illegal Cigarettes After Stopping Three Vehicles

MALANG — A land patrol by Malang Customs along routes used to distribute illegal cigarettes has yielded results. Officers seized 1.4 million illegal cigarettes on Tuesday (13 October 2026).

The operation began with information about illegal cigarettes being transported in delivery vehicles. In response, officers patrolled distribution routes from Gondanglegi and Kepanjen to Pakisaji.

The patrol led officers to the vehicle in question on Jalan Raya Kebonagung, in Pakisaji district, Malang Regency. They gave chase and stopped it for a detailed inspection. During the same patrol, officers also found two other vehicles carrying illegal cigarettes.

Officers inspected all three vehicles at the scene to identify the type and quantity of goods being transported. They found machine-made kretek cigarettes of various brands without excise stamps, totalling 74,920 packs or 1,498,400 cigarettes.

The evidence was taken to the Malang Customs office for further examination and handling in accordance with applicable regulations. The goods were estimated to be worth Rp2,225,124,000, while potential state revenue losses of Rp1,117,806,400 were prevented.

Malang Customs chief Johan Pandores said the seizure formed part of the agency’s efforts to monitor distribution routes and prevent illegal cigarette sales across Greater Malang. He said the measures were being carried out consistently to protect state revenue from excise duties.

“our monitoring is not limited to sales outlets; we also monitor delivery routes and vehicles that could be used to distribute illegal cigarettes,” Johan said.

Johan also urged the public to help monitor methods used to distribute illegal cigarettes, including transport in private cars, freight vehicles and through courier services.

“If you find activity or a delivery suspected of carrying illegal cigarettes, you can report it to Malang Customs to support monitoring and enforcement in accordance with the applicable regulations,” Johan said.