Sidoarjo, Suarajatim.com – The Customs Office at Juanda continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the public from the circulation of illegal goods. From January to November 2024, Juanda Customs recorded 422 enforcement actions against imported and exported goods violating regulations, including those transported via air cargo, courier services, and passenger belongings.
“These confiscated goods range from excisable goods like alcoholic beverages and illegal cigarettes to textiles, cosmetics, plants, fauna, medicines, and narcotics,” explained Sumarna, Head of the Customs Office at Juanda.
The operations estimated the total value of these goods at IDR 86.95 billion, with potential state losses calculated at IDR 14.47 billion. According to Sumarna, the confiscated goods include:
- Excisable Goods: Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products exceeding duty-free limits.
- Textile Products and Accessories
- Cosmetics
- Plants and Plant Parts (non-CITES)
- Iron, Steel, and Related Products
- Medicines
- Flora and Fauna (CITES)
- Narcotics, Psychotropics, and Precursors (NPP)
“Most of the confiscated items are passenger belongings from international arrivals at Juanda Airport,” Sumarna added. He also noted a common smuggling method: using passenger identities to transport items, particularly zamzam water and dates from Saudi Arabia.
“Many passengers are unaware that their identities are being used as the listed recipient of these goods. We urge umrah travel agents to be cautious and avoid accepting packages from unfamiliar parties,” he emphasized.
The confiscated goods are processed further into State-Controlled Goods (BDN) or State-Owned Goods (BMMN). Some items have already been destroyed in earlier stages, including on March 15, March 19, and August 20, 2024.
Today, November 29, 2024, Juanda Customs carried out a symbolic destruction of various illegal items such as cigarettes, medicines, cosmetics, secondhand clothing, weapons, and chemicals. The destruction process involves burning and waste management, conducted in collaboration with PT Hijau Alam Nusantara (PT HAN) in Mojokerto to ensure environmentally friendly practices.
“This initiative demonstrates our accountability in fulfilling our community protector function, shielding the public from harmful goods and ensuring compliance with import and export regulations,” Sumarna stated.
Juanda Customs also highlighted the need for public education, particularly for travel agents and courier service users. Smuggling methods often exploit passenger ignorance. One example is the shipment of large quantities of zamzam water, which violates Saudi Arabian government regulations.
“Pilgrims are only allowed to bring 5 liters of zamzam as part of their official quota. Any excess is confiscated as it violates import and export restrictions,” he explained.
Sumarna expressed hope that travel agents would proactively educate pilgrims. “We recommend agents refrain from accepting packages from unknown individuals,” he concluded.
With these enforcement actions, Juanda Customs aims to prevent state losses while protecting the public from the adverse effects of illegal goods. Such decisive actions are part of implementing Law No. 10 of 1995 on Customs, as amended by Law No. 17 of 2006, and Law No. 11 of 1995 on Excise, as amended by Law No. 39 of 2007.
Looking ahead, Juanda Customs remains committed to enhancing surveillance and education, creating a safe environment free from illegal goods, and supporting government efforts to maintain economic stability and national security.