Palembang Customs Destroys IDR 14.7 Billion Illegal Goods: Cigarettes, Sex Toys, Airsoft Guns

PALEMBANG - The Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office of Palembang City, South Sumatra destroyed thousands of illegal goods resulting from prosecution in 2021 with a total value of IDR 14.7 billion.

Head of the Palembang City Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office, Abdul Haris, said the value of the goods destroyed was the result of calculations from the South Sumatra Regional Office of the Directorate General of State Assets (DJKN) and the Palembang State Property and Auction Service Office (KPKNL).

"The total value of the goods that were destroyed were valued at IDR 14.7 billion, of which it is known that there is a potential loss to the state of IDR 9.6 billion if they pass to the public", said Abdul Haris, quoted by Antara, Thursday, November 18.

According to him, the illegal goods destroyed were classified into two categories, namely state property (BMN) in the form of 9,865,330 cigarettes, 388,350 sliced tobacco salt, 3,556.50 liters of MMEA, 56 units of sex toys.

There are also 18 units of motorcycle seats and spare parts, two units of sharp weapons, 418 units of stethoscope needles, condoms, and tweezers, 101 units of immune medicine (supplements), and 10 units of 'airsoft gun'.

Then the goods that are not controlled by the state from postal shipments are in the form of 209 documents and printed materials, 270 pieces of clothing, 62 shoes and bags, 280 gadget accessories, 10 foods, 60 multivitamins, and beauty drugs.

Then 42 units of watches, 240 units of computer accessories and electronic equipment, 92 units of costume jewelry accessories, 124 units of sports equipment, 52 units of household furniture, 11 units of vehicle accessories, 60 units of toys, 18 units of medical equipment including 45 other units.

“We destroyed all the illegal goods by burning them, so they couldn't be used at all. This destruction is by the SOP that we have", said Abdul Haris.

From the results of these actions, his party found various modes of smuggling illegal goods to enter Palembang, one of which was found to be tobacco and drinks containing ethyl alcohol (MMEA).

Smugglers use used excise stamps, fake excise stamps, and excise tapes that are not their intended use, thus violating the provisions of the Excise Law no. 39 of 2007.

"This extermination was carried out simultaneously in four provinces of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of Sumbagtim (eastern Sumatra). The goal is to an ultimatum that all smuggling practices will be dealt with firmly. We are monitoring together with the Army and National Police officers to create public order, especially fair trade", said Abdul Haris.