Surabaya Customs in Indonesia Seizes Nearly 500,000 Illegal Cigarettes

Surabaya Customs successfully cracked down on illegal tobacco smuggling, seizing 520 boxes of illicit cigarettes worth IDR 614.44 million, with potential state losses estimated at IDR 327.54 million.

According to a Nov. 7 report by The Times of Indonesia, Surabaya Customs has intensified supervision and enforcement against tobacco smuggling and successfully confiscated 520 boxes of illegal cigarettes. 

Based on statements from the driver of the intercepted truck, the tobacco products were transported from several transit stations of JNT Express. In total, about 489,000 illegal cigarettes were seized in this case, with an estimated value of IDR 614,448,000 and potential state losses of IDR 327,542,400. 

Under Articles 54 and 56 of the law, the suspect in this case may face a prison sentence of at least one year and up to eight years, along with a fine ranging from two to ten times the amount of tax payable.