Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA) - The Riau Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise has seized approximately two million illegally smuggled cigarettes in Rokan Hilir district.

Anton Mawardi, head of the compliance guidance and public relations section of Riau Customs, said that the operation took place on July 17, 2024.

The operation was initiated based on information received from the public regarding the transportation of illegal cigarettes via the Trans-Sumatra Highway in Rokan Hilir district.

During the operation, officials stopped a vehicle, which, upon inspection, was found to be carrying approximately 2 million illegal "Camclar" cigarettes that did not bear any excise stamps. The loss to the state from the illegal smuggling operation was pegged at about Rp1.8 billion.

"These illegal cigarettes were intended for widespread distribution in Riau and West Sumatra province," Mawardi said in Pekanbaru on Friday.

He added that this year, Riau Customs has conducted multiple operations targeting the entry of illegal excise goods in several regions, including Indragiri Hilir, Pekanbaru, Sungai Pakning, Kampar, and Rokan Hilir.

Prior to the Rokan Hilir operation, Riau Customs seized illegal liquor and "VR7" cigarettes concealed in a false compartment in the Sungai Pakning area on July 3.

On June 29, approximately 1.5 million "Luffman" cigarettes were confiscated while they were being transported from Indragiri Hilir to West Sumatra.

Another seizure of one million "HD" cigarettes destined for Pekanbaru from Indragiri Hilir was made on June 16.

Additionally, on June 15, one million "Luffman" cigarettes were intercepted during transportation from Indragiri Hilir to West Sumatra.

All seized goods are currently being further examined by Riau Customs.

"Through the Operation to Attack Illegal Cigarettes, Riau Customs aims to curb the circulation of illegal cigarettes and liquor, ensuring that such products are no longer available to the public," Mawardi said.

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