Holds Joint Market Operations With Satpol PP, Kendari Customs Finds 6,600 Illegal Cigarettes

KENDARI - The Kendari Customs and Excise Service and Supervision Office (KPPBC) Type Madya Customs (TMP) C confiscated 6,600 cigarettes allegedly illegally during a market operation in Unaaha District, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.

Kendari Customs and Excise Head Purwatmo Hadi Waluja said thousands of suspected illegal cigarettes were secured in the sub-district during a market operation with the local Satpol PP.

"In the Kendari Customs market operation in synergy with the Konawe Regency Satpol PP, the team took action against 6,600 illegal cigarettes found," he said in a written statement from Kendari Customs Public Relations Officer, Antara, Thursday, March 24.

He conveyed that the thousands of illegal cigarettes found were estimated at an estimated value of Rp. 7,593,000.

"With an estimated value of Rp. 7,593,000 of goods and an estimated total state loss from the excise sector, VAT on HT and cigarette taxes of Rp. 4,760,000," he said.

Kendari Customs and Excise in synergy with the Konawe Regency Satpol PP carry out joint market operations to eradicate illegal cigarettes. Market operations are carried out in the Unaaha District, Konawe Regency.

Market operations are carried out by checking cigarettes circulating or sold by shops and kiosks in Unaaha District.

"In addition to checking, officers also provide socialization to shops and kiosks about the differences and characteristics of illegal cigarettes," he explained.

Purwatmo emphasized that he would continue to synergize with relevant agencies to eradicate the circulation of illegal cigarettes in the Southeast Sulawesi region.