Two Illegal Cigarette Distributors in Buleleng to Face Trial

Two men with the initials ABDR and AY are set to face trial for distributing illegal cigarettes in Buleleng, Bali. The trial will proceed after the Buleleng District Prosecutor’s Office received the transfer of the suspects and evidence from the Bali Regional Police. “The public prosecutor will immediately prepare the indictment and transfer the case to the court for trial,” said the Head of the Intelligence Section at the Buleleng Prosecutor’s Office, Dewa Gede Baskara Haryasa, on Friday (3/7/2026). The case began on 19 December 2025, when authorities uncovered the alleged distribution of HD Putih brand cigarettes in Gerokgak District, Buleleng. The cigarettes were suspected of being distributed without the health warnings in text and image form as required by legislation. Officers seized 25 slops, or 250 packs, of HD Putih brand cigarettes at a house in Banjar Dinas Gondol, Penyabangan Village, Gerokgak District. In addition to lacking health warnings, the cigarettes were also suspected of being distributed without a valid business licence. Based on the investigation, ABDR allegedly ordered the cigarettes from suppliers named Hozaini and Sugianto, then supplied them to suspect AY at below-market prices. ABDR also allegedly lent a pick-up truck with the registration number S 8011 AG to AY to support the distribution of the cigarettes. Meanwhile, AY was allegedly tasked with distributing and selling the cigarettes to various stalls in Gerokgak District. The sales were conducted on a consignment basis, with payment made after the goods were sold, in order to obtain mutual profit. ABDR and AY are suspected of violating Article 437 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 150 of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Adjustments, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code as amended in Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.