4 Months Of Operation, Batam Customs Confiscates Millions Of Illegal Cigarettes, Sex Toys And 700.86 Liters Of Alcoholic Drinks

Batam Customs officers check the presence of illegal cigarettes in a shop in Batam. ANTARA/HO Customs Batam

BATAM - The Batam Customs Office, Riau Islands Province, confiscated 2,322,724 illegal cigarettes from January to April 2022 worth billions of rupiah.

"As of April 2022, there have been 55 prosecutions for violations against Excisable Goods (BKC) commodities, securing 2,322,724 illegal cigarettes," said Head of the Batam Customs Information Service Section, Undani in Batam, Antara, Tuesday, May 31.

The confiscated illegal cigarettes were dominated by machine-made kretek (SKM) and machine-made white cigarettes (SPM).

Commodities of goods resulting from prosecution are highest in the form of tobacco products and beverages containing ethyl alcohol (pure alcohol), followed by mixed goods, as well as pornographic goods and sextoys (sex aids).

"For drinks containing ethyl alcohol, the action is up to 700.86 liters," he said.

The action against BKC, especially the illegal cigarettes, is in line with the Illegal Cigarette Fighting operation carried out by the Batam Customs and Excise with the aim of suppressing the circulation of illegal cigarettes.

His party encourages market demand for relief BKC to optimize state revenues in the excise sector. "The success of suppressing the circulation of illegal cigarettes is directly proportional to the increase in state revenues in the excise sector," he said.

Batam Customs and Excise also took action against other violations found. As of April 30, 2022, the total actions taken by Batam Customs and Excise have reached 161.

With details of 126 non-marine patrols, 19 marine patrols, seven narcotics, psychotropics and precursors, six delegated actions from other agencies, and three other customs and excise actions.

"Until April 2022, Batam Customs and Excise has taken action against 161 violations, with the value of all goods estimated at Rp 15,232,425,000 and potential state losses estimated at Rp 5,799,376,000," said Undani.

For narcotics, psychotropics and precursors, Batam Customs and Excise managed to secure 26 grams of class I narcotics, cannabis sativa and 811.3 grams of class I narcotics, methamphetamine, which have been handed over to the Riau Islands Police.

"For these 161 actions, Batam Customs and Excise managed to collect funds amounting to Rp. 839,582,000, which was obtained from the collection of administrative sanctions in the form of fines, import duties, Value Added Tax, Income Tax (PPh) Article 22 imports, and Sales Tax on Luxury Goods," he said. Undani.