Indonesian Customs Seize 64,000 Illegal Cigarettes on Obi Island

Customs officials in Ternate, Indonesia, have intercepted a significant shipment of illegal cigarettes on Obi Island. On Friday, August 7, 2026, officers seized 64,000 counterfeit cigarette sticks at the Jikotamo Port in South Halmahera Regency.

The discovery was made during routine surveillance of a passenger ferry route between Sanana and Obi. Authorities noticed four suspicious packages that were unloaded and then abandoned at the dock. Upon inspection, the packages were found to contain cigarettes without the required tax stamps.

Officials believe the smugglers used a ferry to transport the contraband, leaving the packages at the port temporarily to be collected discreetly, thereby attempting to evade detection. Ary Patria Sanjaya, Head of Compliance and Information Services at Ternate Customs, stated that the operation aims to protect the public and secure state revenue.

"This action is a tangible manifestation of our protection of the community from the circulation of illegal goods and our commitment to securing state revenue," Ary said. The seized cigarettes are valued at approximately 95,040,000 Indonesian Rupiah, and the seizure is estimated to have prevented a state revenue loss of 61,927,360 Rupiah.

Customs authorities are urging the public to report any suspected illegal cigarette sales or distribution to help curb the trade. They emphasize that combating illegal cigarettes is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the community.

“

This action is a tangible manifestation of our protection of the community from the circulation of illegal goods and our commitment to securing state revenue.