Aceh Customs and Excise Thwarts Distribution of Illegal Cigarettes Worth IDR 191.7 Million

JAKARTA - The Aceh Customs and Excise Team foiled the distribution of 27 cartons of illegal cigarettes with a value of IDR 191.7 million in Kuala Simpang, Aceh Tamiang Regency.

Head of the Customs and Excise Facilities Division of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise for Aceh Province, Leni Rahmasari in Banda Aceh, Saturday, said that apart from thwarting circulation, the team also arrested two people who were carrying the illegal cigarettes.

"The two people have the initials RF and AS. Both are currently still under further investigation. The total number of illegal cigarettes they carried reached 27 cartons with a value of IDR 191.7 million," she said, quoted by Antara, Sunday.

Leni Rahmasari said the illegal cigarette case started with information from the public on Monday (4/9). The public reported that cigarettes were being sent to Aceh by car.

Based on this information, the Aceh Province Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise formed a joint team with the C Langsa Middle Type Customs and Excise Service Supervision Office (KPPBC TMP).

"Subsequently, the joint team stopped a car in Kuala Simpang, Aceh Tamiang Regency. During an inspection of the car, 27 cartons of cigarettes were found which had no excise stamps attached," she said.

Leni Rahmasari said that violations of illegal cigarettes are subject to Article 54 and/or Article 56 of Law Number 11 of 1995 concerning excise as amended into Law Number 7 of 2021 concerning harmonization of tax regulations.

"Customs is committed to monitoring the circulation of cigarettes and other illegal goods. We also invite the public to report the circulation of cigarettes and other illegal goods because they have the potential to harm the state," said Leni Rahmasari.