Indonesian Customs Seize 144,000 Untaxed Cigarettes from Sumatra Bus

Customs officials at Teluk Nibung have intercepted a significant haul of illegal cigarettes, seizing 144,000 untaxed YS Bold brand cigarettes from a bus operating on the Sumatra cross-island route. The discovery was made during "Operation Smoke" on Friday, July 3, 2026, at a rest area in Asahan Regency.

The operation began after customs received information about illegal cigarette shipments being transported via bus. Following up on this tip, officers patrolled rest areas frequented by buses traveling between North Sumatra and Aceh, focusing on areas around Kisaran and Asahan Regency.

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From the initial examination, we suspect the perpetrators used the method of sending illegal cigarettes by entrusting them to the Sumatra Cross-road Bus using a 'broken cell system'. The final destination of the package is Kisaran and Batubara.

During a search of a Putra Pelangi bus traveling from Padang to Aceh, officers found nine cartons containing the contraband cigarettes. These cigarettes lacked the required excise stamps, representing an estimated unpaid excise duty of 107,424,000 Indonesian Rupiah. The seized items were secured and transported to the Teluk Nibung Customs Office for further investigation.

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We will continue to increase surveillance and enforcement efforts against all forms of violations in the field of excise.

Initial findings suggest the smugglers used a "broken cell system" to transport the cigarettes by entrusting them to bus services. The intended final destinations for these illegal products were identified as Kisaran and Batubara. The distribution and sale of cigarettes without proper excise stamps violate Indonesian Law No. 39 of 2007 concerning changes to Law No. 11 of 1995 on Excise.

Head of Teluk Nibung Customs, Nutriwan Cahyono Putro, emphasized the successful operation as a result of strong synergy with related agencies and reiterated customs' commitment to eradicating the illegal cigarette trade. He urged the public to report any suspected violations to the nearest customs office, noting the negative impacts of illegal cigarettes on health and the environment.

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We also urge the public to protect Indonesia from the circulation of illegal cigarettes because they have the potential to cause various negative impacts, both for health and the environment.