Reasons Behind Customs Raid on Illegal Cigarettes at Madura Shop in the Middle of the Night
A video of Customs officers raiding a Madura shop in Tegal, Central Java, has gone viral on social media. Customs has dismissed reports of extortion during the illegal cigarette raid.
“Regarding allegations of extortion, we affirm that during the inspection, there was no request or receipt of money in any form,” said Aflachul, Head of the Internal Compliance and Outreach Section at the Tegal Type Madya Customs Supervision and Service Office, on Friday (8/5/2026).
In narratives circulating on social media, the raid was reported to have occurred in Balaraja, Tangerang, Banten. Social media also claimed that the two officers conducting the raid on the Madura shop were impostors.
Customs has also refuted these reports. Customs emphasised that the operation was carried out in accordance with procedures.
“The officers present during the task execution showed their identification and task orders to the building manager/guard in accordance with procedures,” he said.
April Raid, Video Goes Viral Recently
He stated that the raid was conducted to follow up on information from the public regarding suspected illegal cigarette shipments. The raid moment went viral in early May, but the incident occurred in April 2026.
The raid took place on Tuesday night (14/4) in Balamoa Village, Pangkah District, Tegal Regency, Central Java. At that time, officers visited three locations to check for suspected illegal cigarette shipments.
“The inspection was carried out based on information from the public that on that afternoon there was suspected illegal cigarette delivery at the location,” according to the statement from Tegal Customs on their Instagram account @bctegal.official.
Customs confirmed that the two officers in the viral video are their members. The officers did not find illegal cigarettes during the check.
“We state that the inspection results showed no violations or illegal cigarettes were found, so the officers immediately completed the task and returned to the office,” he said.
They stated that this inspection is mandated by law as part of efforts to create a healthy business climate and protect state revenues from the excise sector. Customs invites the public to support the ‘Crush Illegal Cigarettes’ programme and to be cooperative during inspections.
“As a note, the network of shops was fined in 2025 for selling illegal cigarettes,” he revealed.