Surabaya Ship Passenger Truck Labuan Bajo Turns Out To Bring Illegal Cigarettes

LABUAN BAJO The Task Force (Satgas) for the Eradication of Illegal Cigarettes in West Manggarai Regency managed to thwart the smuggling of 160 thousand suspected illegal cigarettes that entered through Pelindo Wae Kelambu Multipurpose Port, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara.

The illegal cigarettes were hidden in 10 large boxes and transported using a truck riding a ship from Surabaya to Labuan Bajo.

"The items are not listed in the truck cargo manifest," said Labal Commander (Danlanal) Labuan Bajo Marine Lt. Col. (P) Ardian Widjanarko Djajasaputra during a press conference in Labuan Bajo, Antara, Wednesday, July 16.

Two people were arrested in this operation, namely a truck driver with the initials YDT (46) and his assistant PW (23). This disclosure is the result of a joint cross-agency operation that further strengthens supervision of the circulation of illegal cigarettes in the Labuan Bajo area.

"This is clear evidence of Lanal Labuan Bajo's collaboration and other task forces in maintaining national security while protecting the public from the circulation of illegal goods," said Ardian. He said this operation was in line with the spirit of the Asta Cita program launched by the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the Head of Customs and Excise Labuan Bajo, Syahirul Alim stated that illegal cigarette prosecution is part of a commitment to create a healthy and fair business climate.

"Furthermore, we will conduct further examinations of drivers and assistants, as well as research the authenticity of the installed excise tape," said Syahirul.

Illegal cigarettes are considered detrimental to the state in terms of excise revenue and endanger business competition in the legal market. The government also continues to encourage increased supervision, including through integrated operations at points prone to the distribution of illegal goods such as ports.