“The total estimated value of the seized goods is Rp609.4 million, with a potential loss of more than Rp397.1 million in state revenue,” head of the Makassar Customs Office, Ade Irawan, said in a written statement released on Thursday.
The illegal excise goods (BKC) consisted of 384 thousand Rocker Bold brand machine-rolled kretek cigarettes (SKM) with counterfeit excise stamps and 26,400 Smith Bold brand SKM cigarettes without excise stamps.
The products were seized after a truck raised suspicions during a routine patrol on August 5, 2025, at Soekarno-Hatta Port in Makassar.
A joint police and Customs team followed the truck to its unloading site at a logistics warehouse in Makassar city. Upon inspecting the truck, they found and seized hundreds of cigarette packs with counterfeit excise stamps.
The seized goods (BHP) were taken to the Makassar Customs Office for further inspection. The driver and owner of the goods also underwent questioning.
Violations of Article 54 of Law Number 39 of 2007 concerning Excise carry a minimum prison sentence of one year and a maximum of five years.
They also invite a fine of at least double and up to ten times the excise duty.
“We will continue to conduct intensive monitoring to suppress the circulation of illegal cigarettes, which not only harm the state and endanger public health, but also threaten the legal industry,” he said.
He explained that illegally produced cigarettes often do not meet health standards, posing a high risk to consumers, especially those who consume them excessively.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cigarette products they encounter, as public participation is crucial in eradicating the circulation of illegal cigarettes,” he said.
The operation is expected to serve as an example for other regions to continue to strengthen surveillance to suppress the circulation of illegal goods, thereby optimizing state revenue from the excise sector and supporting national development.
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Translator: M Darwin Fatir, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Primayanti
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