Malang Customs Uncovers Illegal Cigarette Shipment via Bus to Jakarta

Malang Customs has uncovered an attempt to distribute illegal cigarettes using intercity public transport on Thursday (9/4/2025).

The Head of Malang Customs Office, Johan Pandores, stated that the enforcement began after receiving intelligence information regarding the suspected shipment of illegal cigarettes via a bus heading to Jakarta. Following up on this information, Malang Customs officers immediately moved to the departure point to conduct consolidation and pre-enforcement analysis.

“Around 12.45 WIB, the transport vehicle in question was observed starting to move. We then pursued it and successfully stopped the vehicle on the Malang-Pandaan Toll Road at KM 84, Singosari Subdistrict, Malang Regency,” said Johan.

At 13.00 WIB, officers conducted an inspection of the transport vehicle. They discovered seven packages of tobacco excise goods (BKC HT) consisting of machine-rolled clove cigarettes (SKM) and machine-rolled white cigarettes (SPM) without affixed tax stamps. The total seized items amounted to 9,600 packs or equivalent to 192,000 cigarette sticks from various brands.

All evidence was brought to the office for further examination. From this enforcement, the estimated total value of the goods reaches Rp 285,440,000 with a potential state loss of Rp 143,424,000.

“The loss should have been utilised to support national development, such as improving education facilities, health services, and infrastructure construction that benefits the wider community,” said Johan.

Johan urged the public not to get involved in the distribution of illegal excise goods and to support law enforcement efforts for the common good.