Naval Base Hands Over Evidence of Illegal Cigarettes Seized During Operation to Customs Office

Bangkalan (ANTARA) - The SFQR (Second Fleet Quick Response) team of the Batuporon Naval Base in Bangkalan, East Java, has handed over hundreds of packs of illegal cigarettes seized during an operation on the Suramadu Bridge access road to the Madura Customs Office.

The Commander of the Batuporon Naval Base, Letkol Laut Ari Wibowo, stated in Bangkalan on Friday that the operation, conducted on the Suramadu access road leading from Madura to Surabaya, was an effort to create a conducive situation, given the numerous incidents that had been disturbing residents.

“During the operation, we found a vehicle transporting illegal cigarettes crossing the Suramadu Bridge,” he said.

Ari explained that 311 packs of cigarettes without excise stamps were confiscated, and 18 people, consisting of 14 men and four women, were also apprehended.

In addition to seizing the illegal cigarettes, officers also secured 15 vehicles, including private cars, delivery vans, minibuses, and trucks.

“Today, all the evidence from the operation on the Suramadu Bridge access road has been handed over to the Madura Customs Office to be processed in accordance with applicable regulations,” he said.

According to the Commander of the Naval Base, Letkol Laut Ari Wibowo, based on the drivers’ confessions, the illegal cigarettes were intended for distribution to several regions in East Java and beyond, including Surabaya, Gresik, Pasuruan, Mojokerto, Central Java, and West Java.

Separately, Hendra Asmara, an officer from the Madura Customs Office, confirmed the handover of the evidence, consisting of hundreds of packs of illegal cigarettes seized during the Batuporon Naval Base operation in Bangkalan.

“Currently, we are processing the results of the operation, and we are very grateful to the Naval Base for helping to limit the circulation of illegal cigarettes on Madura Island,” he said.