More Illegal Cigarettes Circulation Online, Central Java-DIY Customs Intensify Cyber Patrols
SEMARANG - The Customs and Excise Office of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta will intensify cyber patrols to prevent the circulation of illegal cigarettes suspected of having penetrated the online market.
"In this case of illegal cigarettes, we suspect that there is a shift in the pattern of circulation from previously only direct sales to online sales," said Head of the Central Java & DIY Customs and Excise Office Muhammad Purwantoro in Semarang, Antara, Tuesday, July 26.
In addition, the perpetrators of the circulation of illegal cigarettes also take advantage of various internet-based social media.
"We carry out patrols on social media, so there is cyber rolling, yes, the unit at our place is always monitoring it. So, transactions for illegal cigarettes, both large and small, will be monitored," he said.
This was conveyed by Purwantoro after the destruction of 39,723,022 cigarettes worth Rp44.7 billion at the Central Java Governor's Office yard. The destroyed illegal cigarettes were the result of 530 prosecutions over the last 7 months, from January to July 2022.
He emphasized that his staff will continue to make efforts to eradicate illegal cigarettes from upstream to downstream in the context of securing state finances and creating a healthy business climate.
The Central Java & DIY Customs and Excise Offices also appealed to unlicensed cigarette entrepreneurs to immediately take care of the legality of their respective companies.