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

Sumedang, West Java — The Sumedang Regency Government, together with the West Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, has seized 17,800 sticks of illegal cigarettes during a joint operation in the Jatinangor and Situraja districts.

Ian Ariyandhy, Head of the Regional Law Enforcement Division of the Sumedang Regency Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), stated in Sumedang on Tuesday that the operation serves as a form of cross-agency synergy to suppress the circulation of illegal cigarettes. “We remain committed to conducting supervision and enforcement against the distribution of illegal cigarettes. This activity is a manifestation of synergy between the local government and law enforcement agencies,” he said.

He explained that in the Jatinangor district, officers secured 3,020 sticks of illegal cigarettes, consisting of 2,100 machine-made clove cigarettes (SKM) and 920 machine-made white cigarettes (SPM). From these findings, the outstanding excise value reached Rp2.29 million, with administrative fines, after rounding, amounting to Rp6.89 million.

Meanwhile, in the Situraja district, officers seized an additional 14,780 sticks of illegal cigarettes. The illegal cigarettes secured in Situraja comprised 12,600 SKM and 2,180 SPM, with an outstanding excise value of Rp11.13 million and administrative fines of Rp33.39 million.

According to Ian, the results of the operations in these two districts indicate that the circulation of illegal cigarettes is still being detected, necessitating increased supervision alongside 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 conduct supervision and enforcement sustainably,” he noted.

He added that the success of such operations also requires community support by refraining from purchasing or trading illegal cigarettes and reporting any findings. “We invite the public not to buy or trade illegal cigarettes and to immediately report if they find their circulation in their respective environments,” he said.

He expressed hope that similar operations would increase awareness among business actors and the public to avoid trading illegal cigarettes, thereby ensuring a healthy business climate and maintaining state revenue from the excise sector.