Teluk Nibung Customs Seizes 448,400 Illegal Cigarettes
Through an illegal cigarette eradication operation titled Operation ASAP, Teluk Nibung Customs intercepted a box van transporting illegal cigarettes without excise stamps on the Sumatra Cross Road, Air Batu District, Asahan Regency, on Friday (11/09/2026).
From this enforcement action, officers seized 448,400 sticks of Machine-Made Clove Cigarettes (SKM) and Machine-Made White Cigarettes (SPM) of various brands, with a total value reaching Rp673,074,000. The potential loss to state revenue in the form of unpaid excise duties is estimated at Rp338,826,400.
The Head of the Teluk Nibung Customs Office, Nutriwan Cahyono Putro, explained that the enforcement began with officers tracking a box van suspected of carrying illegal cigarettes from the Riau–North Sumatra border region on Thursday (10/09). Subsequently, on Friday (11/09), officers intercepted the vehicle on the Sumatra Cross Road, Air Batu District, Asahan Regency.
Upon inspection, officers discovered 448,400 sticks of illegal cigarettes lacking excise stamps, which were intended for distribution in the Asahan, Tanjungbalai, Batu Bara, and Pematangsiantar areas. During the operation, officers also detained two individuals, identified by the initials RH, the driver and owner of the goods, and E, who acted as the assistant driver.
For their actions, the perpetrators are suspected of violating Article 54 and/or Article 56 of Law Number 11 of 1995 concerning Excise, as amended by Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Adjustment. Following the incident, officers transported the suspects, the transport vehicle, and all evidence to the Teluk Nibung Customs Office for further investigation and examination.
Nutriwan emphasised that his office will continue to strengthen supervision and enforcement against the circulation of illegal cigarettes. This action is part of the ongoing efforts by Teluk Nibung Customs to protect the public and safeguard state revenue from illegal trade practices involving excisable goods.
“We are committed to eradicating the circulation of illegal cigarettes. Excise is one of the sources of state revenue used for development,” he stated.
He also invited the public to play an active role in combating the circulation of illegal cigarettes. Besides the potential reduction in state revenue, the circulation of illegal excisable goods can also have negative impacts on society and the environment.
“We urge the public not to trade cigarettes without excise stamps. For those who find or become aware of suspected violations in the field of customs and excise, please report them immediately to the nearest Customs office,” Nutriwan concluded.