Sumedang Regency and West Java Customs Seize 17,800 Illegal Cigarettes

The Sumedang Regency Government, West Java, together with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise Regional Office of West Java, seized 17,800 illegal cigarettes in a joint operation in Jatinangor and Situraja sub-districts. Ian Ariyandhy, Head of Regional Legislation Enforcement at the Sumedang Regency Civil Service Police Unit, stated on Tuesday that the operation represents a form of cross-agency synergy in curbing the circulation of illegal cigarettes. “We remain committed to monitoring and taking action against the circulation of illegal cigarettes. This activity is a form of synergy between the regional government and law enforcement officials,” he said. He explained that in Jatinangor Sub-district, officers secured 3,020 illegal cigarettes consisting of 2,100 machine-rolled kretek cigarettes and 920 machine-rolled white cigarettes. From these findings, the excise duty owed reached Rp2.29 million, with an administrative fine after rounding of Rp6.89 million. Meanwhile, in Situraja Sub-district, officers seized a further 14,780 illegal cigarettes. The illegal cigarettes secured in Situraja consisted of 12,600 machine-rolled kretek cigarettes and 2,180 machine-rolled white cigarettes, with excise duty owed of Rp11.13 million and an administrative fine of Rp33.39 million. According to Ian, the results of the operation in the two sub-districts show that the circulation of illegal cigarettes is still being found, so monitoring will continue to be enhanced with relevant agencies. “The circulation of illegal cigarettes not only harms the state in terms of excise revenue but also creates unfair business competition. Therefore, we will continue to carry out monitoring and enforcement sustainably,” he said. He added that the success of the operation also requires public support by not buying or trading illegal cigarettes and reporting any circulation found. “We urge the public not to buy or trade illegal cigarettes and to immediately report if they find them circulating in their respective environments,” he said. He hopes that similar operations can raise awareness among business actors and the public not to trade illegal cigarettes, so that a healthy business climate and state revenue from the excise sector are maintained.