Joint Operations To Dismantle Illegal Cigarette Circulation In Banda Aceh City

The Regional Office Team of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise Aceh confiscated 1,060 illegal cigarettes during an action operation at a shop in the Setui area, Banda Aceh City.

Head of the Aceh Customs Compliance and Public Relations Guidance Section, Muparrih, said that thousands of illegal cigarettes were confiscated in joint operations with the Civil Service Police Unit and Wilayatul Hisbah, Aceh Province on Wednesday, September 24.

"In the joint operation, the team took action against 1,060 illegal cigarettes of various brands without being attached to excise stamps. All illegal cigarettes were secured to the Aceh Customs Office for further processing," said Muparrih in Banda Aceh, Antara, Thursday, September 25.

Muparrih said this operation was a response to public reports regarding the rampant circulation and sale of illegal cigarettes that harm state revenues while at the same time threatening consumer protection.

Apart from being an effort to take action, said Muparrih, the operation was also part of socialization to the public so as not to sell or buy illegal cigarettes.

"We invite the public to recognize the characteristics of illegal cigarettes, including that they are not attached to excise stamps, use fake excise stamps, used excise stamps, or excise stamps that are not in accordance with their designation," he said.

According to him, illegal cigarettes violate Law Number 39 of 2007 concerning Excise. Therefore, Aceh Customs will continue to be committed to eradicating the circulation of illegal cigarettes and other illegal goods in Indonesia's westernmost province.

"We urge traders not to trade illegal cigarettes, and invite the public not to buy illegal cigarettes. If they know of illegal cigarette trafficking, immediately report it to the nearest Customs office," said Muparrih asserted.