Malang Customs Thwarts Distribution of Hundreds of Thousands of Illegal Cigarette Sticks
Malang Customs thwarted an attempt to distribute hundreds of thousands of illegal cigarettes at two expedition services. The enforcement action was carried out during a routine land patrol conducted on Tuesday night (31/3/2026) in Malang Regency.
The first enforcement took place at an expedition service located on Jalan Raya Suropati Raya, Bululawang Subdistrict, Malang Regency.
Based on the inspection results, officers found machine-rolled clove cigarettes (SKM) and machine-rolled white cigarettes (SPM) of various brands without excise stamps. The total seized items amounted to 5,410 packs, equivalent to 107,320 cigarette sticks.
The second enforcement was conducted at an expedition service on Jalan Ledok Dowo, Pakis Subdistrict, Malang Regency. Based on the inspection results, officers discovered unstamped SKM and SPM cigarettes totalling 30,860 packs, or equivalent to 617,200 cigarette sticks.
Following these two findings, Malang Customs officers issued Enforcement Evidence Letters, and all seized goods were brought to the Malang Customs Office for further processing.
From the two enforcement locations, the total estimated value of the goods reached Rp 1,076,792,200, with potential state losses averted amounting to Rp 541,019,920.
This loss figure is not merely a number but has real implications for society. If converted into a direct cash assistance (BLT) scheme, the amount equates to aid for around 900 residents of Malang Regency.
Head of Malang Customs Office, Johan Pandores, stated that this enforcement represents a concrete commitment by Customs to safeguard state revenues while protecting the public from the circulation of illegal goods.
He emphasised that synergy among authorities and public participation are crucial in breaking the distribution chain of illegal cigarettes.
“We continue to enhance supervision, particularly on distribution routes such as expedition services. We invite the public to actively report any indications of illegal cigarette circulation in their surroundings,” he said in a statement on Monday (6/4/2026).