Semarang Customs Busts Illegal Cigarette Smuggling Worth Rp2.36 Billion

Customs officers in Semarang have dismantled an illegal cigarette smuggling attempt carried out using an unusual method. Tens of thousands of cigarettes without excise bands were hidden inside a water tanker lorry to deceive officers. The operation also led to the securing of two suspects, with the total value of the evidence reaching Rp2.36 billion.

The case concerns the smuggling of excisable goods in the category of cigarettes (BKC HT). The contraband, comprising various brands, was found to be entirely without excise bands.

Two suspects, identified by their initials as BF and ASE, were taken into custody and detained to undergo investigation.

The disclosure was presented by the Head of the Central Java and DIY Regional Customs Office, Agus Yulianto, alongside the Head of the Semarang Customs Office, Mochamad Syuhadak, and the Head of the Tanjung Emas Customs Office, Khoirul Hadziq. The total value of the evidence amounted to approximately Rp2.36 billion, with excise duty owed of Rp1.18 billion.