Considered Illegal, 148,000 Batang Cigarettes For Martel Brands And Big Band Confiscated By Customs

The joint team consisted of Kodim 1307/Poso, Korem 132 Tadulako, Customs and Excise Luwuk and the Directorate General of Transportation of Ampana Port thwarted the smuggling of illegal cigarettes at Class III Port of Ampana, Tojo Una-una Regency (Touna).

Danramil 1307-05 Ratolindo Lettu Cke Risman, quoting ANTARA, Sunday, February 23, said the operation, which was carried out on Saturday, February 22, was after information related to the circulation of illegal cigarettes to be sent to the Wakai and Walea Besar islands, Tojo Una-una Regency.

"So from Customs and Excise, the Luwuk Type C Customs Supervision and Service Office contacted Koramil 1307-05 Ratolindo to inform and ask for assistance in controlling illegal cigarettes from Ampana Kota to the Archipelago Region, namely Una-una District and Togean District through the pioneering ship of the Gunung Bintan motor boat (KM)," said First Lieutenant Cke Risman.

He stated that the initial findings of the operation found two cartons of illegal cigarettes, thus showing the discrepancy of the excise label on cigarette packaging.

"The cigarette should have been labeled a machine kretek cigarettes (SKM), but a hand kretek cigarettes label (SKT) was found which caused losses to the state," he said.

Subsequently, an investigation was carried out and interrogated the crew, including the captain of the Rusli Mahmud ship, so that they found more illegal cigarette cartons on board.

"All evidence in the form of 14 cartons of illegal cigarettes was secured to the Class III Port Office of Ampana before being finally taken to the Luwuk Customs Office for further processing," he said.

According to him, the number of illegal cigarettes seized was 7,400 packs or 148,000 sticks, with details of 6,600 packs of the Martel brand and 800 packs of the Big Band brand.

"The state loss due to the circulation of illegal cigarettes reached Rp110 million and the value of goods is estimated at Rp125 million," he said.

Risman explained that this joint operation was a form of commitment from the authorities in eradicating the circulation of illegal goods that were detrimental to the country in the area.

"Of course, this joint team will continue to monitor and develop cases to uncover the owner of the evidence and prevent the circulation of illegal cigarettes in Tojo Una-una Regency," he said.