Customs and TNI Seize 19,000 Bottles of Illegal Alcohol in Bali

A coordinated operation by Indonesian Customs and the TNI intelligence agency (BAIS TNI) has successfully dismantled a large-scale operation involving the distribution of illegal alcoholic beverages in Bali. The joint effort resulted in the seizure of 19,142 bottles, totaling 14,400.36 liters, of alcoholic drinks suspected of being sold with counterfeit excise bands.

The confiscated items, comprising various brands of Class B and C alcoholic beverages, are valued at approximately Rp 12.55 billion. This action is estimated to have saved the state Rp 2.14 billion in potential revenue losses. The operation underscores a collaborative approach to combatting illicit goods and safeguarding the economy.

The bust originated from intelligence indicating the storage and distribution of illegal beverages in the Denpasar area. A joint team, including personnel from the Directorate of Enforcement and Investigation of Customs, regional Customs offices, and BAIS TNI, intercepted a vehicle leaving a building in Denpasar. Subsequent searches of two buildings at the location revealed the substantial cache of illegal alcohol.

Director General of Customs, Letjen TNI (Purn) Djaka Budhi Utama, highlighted the importance of inter-agency synergy in protecting the public, ensuring fair competition for legitimate businesses, and preventing revenue leakage. He stated that controlling illegal alcohol sales is crucial for maintaining the quality of Bali's tourism ecosystem and providing a stable business environment for compliant operators. The case is now proceeding to the investigation stage.