Purwokerto BEA Excise succeeded in taking action against two passenger cars carrying 582,400 illegal cigarettes. The action was carried out on Jalan Raya Kenteng – Madukara and Jalan Kembang Widoro XIII, Madukara District, Banjarnegara Regency, last Wednesday (30/10).
Pls. The Head of the Purwokerto Customs and Excise Office explained that this action was part of a market operation carried out together with the Banjarnegara Regency Civil Service Police Unit.
The market operations team conducted a sweep of illegal cigarette distribution routes in the area.
“While conducting a search, officers stopped and checked the car. “Officers found illegal cigarettes including machine-made clove cigarettes (SKM) and machine-made white cigarettes (SPM) of various brands,” said Irwan.
After the action, the market operations team took the evidence along with the driver and vehicle to the Purwokerto Customs Office for further examination.
From the results of the inspection, officers succeeded in confiscating 29,200 packs of illegal cigarettes, for a total of 582,400 cigarettes.
The estimated value of the goods confiscated reached IDR 806,449,000.00, with potential losses to the state that were saved reaching IDR 559,456,051.00.
Irwan emphasized Purwokerto Customs and Excise’s commitment to eradicating the circulation of illegal cigarettes by continuing to collaborate with various parties and other law enforcement officers (APH).
“With this crackdown on illegal cigarettes, it is hoped that the public will understand the role of Customs and Excise and participate in supporting the eradication of the circulation of illegal cigarettes,” he concluded.
This action is clear evidence of Customs’ efforts to protect the public from the circulation of illegal goods and the potential state losses resulting from this activity. (RO/Z-10)
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**Interview with the Head of the Purwokerto Customs and Excise Office**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today. Can you elaborate on the recent operation that led to the seizure of 582,400 illegal cigarettes in Banjarnegara Regency?
**Head of Purwokerto Customs and Excise Office:** Thank you for having me. Yes, we conducted a successful operation on October 30th, where we identified and intercepted two passenger vehicles suspected of transporting a significant quantity of illegal cigarettes. This operation was strategically planned and executed in collaboration with the Banjarnegara Regency Civil Service Police Unit.
**Editor:** What prompted this particular operation, and how did you target those vehicles specifically?
**Head of Purwokerto Customs and Excise Office:** Our team regularly assesses data and intelligence regarding smuggling activities in the region. We identified certain routes known for illegal cigarette transportation, which led us to monitor those areas closely. The operation was part of our broader market enforcement efforts to mitigate the impact of illegal goods in the local economy.
**Editor:** How do these illegal cigarettes affect the local market and economy?
**Head of Purwokerto Customs and Excise Office:** The influx of illegal cigarettes undermines legitimate businesses and poses health risks to consumers. It creates unfair competition, causing losses for authorized dealers who pay taxes and adhere to regulations. Our primary goal is to protect both consumers and the legitimate market.
**Editor:** What measures are in place to prevent future smuggling operations of this nature?
**Head of Purwokerto Customs and Excise Office:** We are enhancing our surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities. Regular training sessions for our officers also equip them with the skills needed to detect suspicious activities. Additionally, we aim to build stronger partnerships with local law enforcement and the community to report any smuggling attempts.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights. Any final thoughts you want to share about the ongoing efforts against smuggling in the region?
**Head of Purwokerto Customs and Excise Office:** We remain committed to our fight against smuggling. We encourage the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Together, we can ensure a fair and accountable market for everyone.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time and for the important work you and your team are doing.