NTT Police Uncover Alleged Illegal Cigarette Circulation in Four Regencies

The Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of the East Nusa Tenggara Police has uncovered the alleged circulation of illegal cigarettes in four regencies, seizing 9,271 packs suspected of not meeting trade legality requirements. Director of Special Criminal Investigation for the NTT Police, Senior Commissioner Hans Rachmatulloh Irawan, stated in Kupang on Tuesday that the alleged distribution was discovered in Ende, Nagekeo, Ngada, and West Manggarai regencies. “The circulation of goods that do not meet licensing requirements is a legal violation that has the potential to harm the public, the state, and law-abiding business actors. Therefore, the NTT Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate will continue to supervise and take action against any form of violation in the trade sector,” he said. Hans stated that the disclosure represents the police’s commitment to protecting the public while creating a healthy trade climate in accordance with statutory regulations. Throughout June 2026, the Sub-Directorate I for Industry and Trade team conducted inspections of several kiosks and shops in Ende, Nagekeo, Ngada, and West Manggarai regencies suspected of trading cigarettes without fulfilling trade licensing legality requirements. The field operation was led by First Inspector Muhammad Yuzakky together with personnel from Sub-Directorate I Indag of the NTT Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate. From the inspection results, officers seized 9,271 packs, or 185,420 individual cigarettes, suspected of lacking trade legality. Investigators are also coordinating with Customs for further handling according to each agency’s authority. “We will continue to develop the investigation to trace the distribution channels and the parties responsible for the circulation of these cigarettes suspected of lacking legality. Law enforcement is carried out professionally, proportionally, and in accordance with applicable regulations,” said Hans. For the alleged violation, investigators are applying Article 106 in conjunction with Article 24 paragraph (1) of Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade, which regulates the obligation of business actors to possess trade licensing.