Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Viral social media claims alleging that Aceh Regional Police officers protected illegal cigarette distribution networks in Banda Aceh have been confirmed as a hoax.

Official monitoring revealed no formal reports or valid evidence backing the claims. Contrary to the viral allegations, the Banda Aceh City Metropolitan Police conducts enforcement operations against illicit, untaxed tobacco sales across the region.

Banda Aceh Police Criminal Investigation Unit officers recently executed undercover operations targeting illegal cigarette sales at local kiosks. Officers seized 70,000 illicit cigarettes during a raid on a storage warehouse located inside a student dormitory in the Baiturrahman District of Banda Aceh.

The Indonesian National Police (INP) routinely collaborates with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise to patrol maritime and land smuggling routes to minimize state financial losses.

(mg/sy/pr/rs)