Bea Cukai records twofold surge in contraband as state losses exceed Rp5.2 billion.

Illegal cigarette circulation in Tanjungpinang has surged sharply in 2025, with local Customs officers seizing millions of sticks along with alcohol, narcotics, and other contraband.

Doubling of Seizures in 2025

Bea Cukai (BC) Tanjungpinang reported that four million illegal cigarettes without excise stamps were seized between January and July 2025. The figure is double the two million confiscated during the same period last year, said Ade Novan, Head of Enforcement and Investigation at BC Tanjungpinang, on Wednesday (Aug 27).

Other Contraband Confiscated

Beyond cigarettes, officers also seized 376.39 liters of unlicensed alcoholic beverages, 75 bales of used clothing, and 13 grams of methamphetamine. In one case, a ferry passenger was caught carrying more than Rp100 million in undeclared cash and was fined 10 percent of the amount.

Losses and State Revenue

The total value of seized goods surpassed Rp20 billion, with estimated state losses of more than Rp5.2 billion. Authorities also issued four Ultimum Remidium (UR) enforcement letters worth over Rp418 million.

Ade highlighted the sharp rise in revenue collection: “Last year, penalties from enforcement amounted to Rp96 million. This year, we have already collected more than Rp400 million for the state treasury.”

Heightened Vigilance

The agency stressed that the rise in illegal cigarette circulation is a serious concern, as it undermines state revenue and fuels the black market. Customs vowed to intensify monitoring and enforcement in Tanjungpinang and surrounding areas.

The Tanjungpinang seizures underscore the scale of Indonesia’s ongoing contraband problem, with illegal cigarettes leading the list of violations. As Customs ramps up enforcement, the government seeks to curb revenue losses while sending a strong signal against smuggling across the Riau Islands.

Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Jawa Pos (2025)

Keywords: Tanjungpinang Illegal Cigarettes, Bea Cukai Seizure, Customs Enforcement Indonesia, Smuggling Crackdown, Contraband Seized Tanjungpinang