The Directorate General of Customs and Excise for the Riau Islands successfully intercepted a vessel carrying six million illegal cigarettes in the waters of the Singapore Strait, marking a significant win against illicit trade activities.
The vessel, KM Labuan, was spotted during regular maritime surveillance activities and was subsequently pursued by a patrol unit. Upon inspection, a large haul of illegal cigarettes was discovered along with five crew members onboard.
The customs patrol unit swiftly acted on intelligence to track and intercept the suspicious vessel in the busy waters of the Singapore Strait.
One crew member, identified as SLM, has been arrested and charged under stringent national laws against illegal trade practices.
The smuggling attempt represents a potential loss of 14 billion IDR to the state due to evaded taxes and duties.
Throughout 2023, Kepri Customs has conducted 79 operations, confiscating over 40 million illegal cigarettes and safeguarding potential state losses of 59 billion IDR.
Read More: Massive Illicit Cigarette Trade Uncovered in Batam
This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the customs authority to uphold the law, enforce regulations, and combat illicit trade.
This significant operation by Kepri Customs not only disrupts the illegal cigarette market but also reinforces the region’s security and economic stability. For Singaporeans and international visitors, it underscores the importance of adhering to local laws and regulations when trading across borders.
In a decisive operation, Kepri Customs intercepted six million illegal cigarettes in the Singapore Strait. The ongoing crackdown emphasizes the dedication of customs officials to combating smuggling and protecting the nation’s financial interests.
Source: Tribun News, Kepri Pedia (2023)
