Kotabaru customs destroys nearly Rp1 billion illegal excisable goods

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Customs and Excise Office in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, destroyed illegal excisable goods worth nearly Rp1 billion (around US$63,000).

Head of the office M. Budi Hermanto here on Tuesday said the illegal excisable goods were from 124 raids or seizure during 2022-2024 in Kotabaru and Tanah Bumbu districts.

"The goods destroyed were the results of market operation activities, actions against shipping services and sea patrols," he said.

All the goods had been determined as state property (BMMN) and had received approval for destruction from Directorate General of State Assets as stated in Approval Letter No 2/MK.6/WKN.12/2024 dated November 1, 2024

Budi disclosed that the excisable goods in the form of tobacco and drinks containing ethyil alcohol that have certain properties and characteristics, including the need for consumption control and circulation supervision.

Their use has negative impacts on people and environment or requires the imposition of state levies for the sake of justice and balance.

Budi mentioned the details of the items destroyed were 701,084 cigarettes of various brands and 485.80 liters liquor containing ethyl alcohol (MMEA).

These goods violated Law No. 11 of 1995 concerning Excise as ammended by Law No. 39 of 2007 concerning the use of used excise stamps.

Violation of using fake excise stamps without attaching excise stamps with an estimated value of goods worth IDR934,904,620 caused state loss of IDR526,044,536.

"The destruction of illegal excisable goods is carried outd by burning them, destroying them with heavy equipment, and dumping them in the ground," said Budi.

He added that excisable goods (BKC) from destroyed tobacco (cigarettes) had expired and not suitable for consumption. Kotabaru Customs and Excise also informed that cracking down on illegal cigarettes because they can harm the state and to protect the public health.