inp.polri.go.id - East Nusa Tenggara. The disclosure of a large-scale illegal cigarette trafficking case in the border area of Belu Regency in 2025 was one of the most prominent law enforcement operations in East Nusa Tenggara. This case uncovered a transnational network involving foreign nationals and had a significant impact on potential state losses.
In an official statement from the Head of Public Relations of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Henry Novika Chandra, he explained that the disclosure was the result of cross-agency collaboration between the Belu Sub-regional Police, Atambua Customs and Excise, and Immigration.
"This disclosure demonstrates the strong commitment of the authorities to eradicating the circulation of illegal goods, particularly in border areas that are highly vulnerable to cross-border smuggling activities," said Henry at the NTT Regional Police Headquarters on Monday (4/27/2026).
This case began with a public report of suspicious activity in Tenukiik Village, West Atambua District, on December 4, 2025. Following up on this information, a joint security team conducted an investigation at the location.
Initial investigations revealed strong indications of the storage and distribution of illegal cigarettes suspected to have originated overseas. The modus operandi involved smuggling cigarettes from Timor Leste via sea in the Atapupu area, then distributing them to several areas on Timor Island.
As the case developed, the joint team discovered another storage location in North Central Timor (TTU) Regency. Officers seized approximately 11 million illegal Machine-Made White Cigarettes (SPM) with counterfeit excise stamps from there.
Furthermore, during this operation, officers also apprehended four foreign nationals, three Chinese nationals and one Timor Leste national, suspected of involvement in the network.
The total value of the seized evidence reaches tens of billions of rupiah, with estimated potential state losses reaching more than IDR 12 billion. This figure indicates that the smuggling practice was organized and massive.
"We believe this is not an ordinary crime, but part of a structured network that exploits the border region as a distribution route. Therefore, we are handling this matter seriously and continuously," added Henry Novika Chandra.
Currently, the legal process against the perpetrators is ongoing in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, handled by Customs and Immigration, according to their respective authorities.
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