Indonesian Customs Seize 181 Illegal Cigarette Trading Cases

Jan.12.2024

Indonesian customs officials successfully seized 181 illegal cigarette trafficking cases, confiscating millions of taxed and machine-made cigarettes.

According to a report from Indonesian media outlet ANTARA on January 11th, the Customs Supervision and Service Office in Central Java province, Indonesia, successfully uncovered 181 cases of illegal cigarette transactions in 2023.

At a press conference on Thursday (January 11), the Director of the Office, Moch Arif Setijo Nugroho, revealed that the Guddus Customs and the Kudus County Government had jointly destroyed an estimated 61.6 million taxed cigarette packs (BKC) worth IDR 7.02 billion (approximately $4.9 million) in 2023. They also confiscated 19.61 million machine-rolled cigarettes (SKM) worth IDR 24.6 billion (approximately $1.75 million). In 181 tax-related cases in 2023, the prosecution offices of Jepara and Kudus district courts have initiated investigations (P21) into 16 tax crime cases, and 18 suspects will face trial. The recovered national revenue amounts to approximately IDR 16.99 billion (around $12.14 million).

In addition, the Guudos customs have been closely collaborating with the Indonesian Attorney General's Office for Law Enforcement and Examination, the Jepara and Guudos district courts, the Bojonegoro customs, and the National Land Agency (BPN) to seize a piece of land and building spanning 850 square meters in the Gribig area of Guudos county, in accordance with Article 59 of the Indonesian Customs Law.

These law enforcement actions have resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of illegal cigarettes, which are currently stockpiled in the warehouse of the Gudus Customs. To deal with this evidence that belongs to the state (BMN) and determine its purpose, the Gudus Customs has collaborated with the local government of the former Karesidenan Pati region. They serve as both the recipient and user of tobacco tax revenue sharing (DBHCHT), and carry out destruction activities.

References:

[1] KPPBC Kudus ungkap 181 kasus rokok ilegal selama 2023

Also Read:

[1] The Challenge of Controlling Illegal Tobacco Distribution in South Sulawesi

#Indonesia #Illegal e-cigarettes #USA

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Latvia’s Constitutional Court Upholds Vape Flavor Ban as Constitutional

The Constitutional Court of Latvia upheld the 2025 vape-flavor ban as constitutional, rejecting appeals by Pro Vape and SIA MASS Industry. Judges said the restrictions serve a legitimate public-health purpose by protecting youth from nicotine addiction and that the social benefits outweigh business losses.

Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Indonesian Police to Crack Down on Etomidate-Laced Vapes

Indonesia’s National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) will continue to take enforcement action against users and distributors of etomidate-laced vape liquids, even though the substance is not yet classified as a narcotic. Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crimes, said etomidate is an anaesthetic drug regulated under Health Law No. 17 of 2023, but has not been listed as a narcotic or psychotropic substance.

Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Product | SKE Launches Disposable V-BOT, Claiming U.S. Manufacturing and Domestic Blending & Filling

SKE has launched the V-BOT disposable e-cigarette. The company’s website highlights that the device is “Made in the USA,” with blending and filling also completed domestically. The V-BOT features dual power modes (Eco/Boost), an 800 mAh rechargeable battery, and is advertised as delivering up to 40,000 puffs.

Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Cambodia MoT warns: Businesses using vaping and shisha will have their operating licences revoked

Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has issued a new directive prohibiting all tourism service establishments from possessing, selling, importing, storing, or advertising e-cigarettes and shisha-related products. Violators will face written warnings, suspension of operations, or even revocation of their tourism business licenses. The measure is part of a nationwide ban enacted under Sub-Decree No. 02 BB, issued by the Royal Government on October 21.