Kapolda of Lampung, Irjen Pol Helfi Assegaf holding a press conference regarding the solving of several economic crime cases.

progresifjaya.co.id, SOUTH LAMPUNG – The Polda of Lampung together with their subordinate units, have successfully uncovered several cases of economic crime and illegal trade. These cases range from the distribution of cigarettes lacking excise stamps and the importation of food products without official documentation to the transport of mercury without the required permits.

Details of these cases were revealed during a press conference led by the Kapolda of Lampung, Irjen Pol Helfi Assegaf, at the Polda headquarters’ parade ground on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Also in attendance were Bier Budy Kismulyanto, Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise for Southern Sumatra, and Asep Ridwan Ruswandi, Head of the Bandar Lampung Customs and Excise Office (KPPBC TMP B).

In his statement, Kapolda Helfi emphasized, that law enforcement actions against economic crimes and illegal trade would continue to be carried out professionally and consistently. This includes further investigating cases to uncover the origins of the goods and the networks involved.

“These crackdowns demonstrate that there is no room for illegal traders within the jurisdiction of the Polda of Lampung. We will continue to pursue every case until we uncover the origins and the networks behind them,” asserted Kapolda Helfi.

One of the cases was uncovered by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Polres of Mesuji regarding the alleged distribution of illegal cigarettes in Panca Warna Village, Way Serdang District, Mesuji Regency. The case began on Monday, October 5, 2026, at approximately 18:00 WIB, when officers received information regarding the alleged sale, stockpiling, and transport of illegal cigarettes by a resident identified by the initial T.

Following an investigation, officers discovered 5,920 packs—totaling 118.400 individual cigarettes—lacking excise stamps stored at the suspect’s home.  Further investigation revealed that the cigarettes were allegedly obtained from an individual identified by the initial R in the West Tulang Bawang area—a fellow illegal cigarette seller.

Evidence seized during this operation included various cigarette brands, Surya Jaya, Vios Red, Vios Black/Bolong, Vios Mango Splash, Vios Berry Klick, Vios Mild/White, Toracinno, and Marbol Melon Ice. Also confiscated were a Honda Verza motorcycle (license plate T 2476 MY) and two mobile phones.

For these alleged actions, the suspect is charged under Article 54 in conjunction with Article 29 paragraph (1), Article 55, and Article 56 of Law Number 39 of 2007 concerning Amendments to Law Number 11 of 1995 regarding Excise. The potential state revenue loss associated with these excisable goods is estimated at Rp88.326.400.

Meanwhile, the General Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimum) of the Polda of Lampung also successfully uncovered the alleged importation and transport of a plant product—specifically peanuts—suspected to have originated from India without valid permits. This case came to light on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at approximately 07:00 WIB, when the Violent Crimes Unit (Jatanras) of the Polda of Lampung intercepted a green Fuso truck (license plate B 9507 BPA) transporting peanuts to Bandar Lampung.

The cargo is suspected to have entered the country via an unofficial port in the Dumai area, Riau Province. Inspection results showed the vehicle was carrying approximately 20 tons of peanuts lacking a quarantine release certificate, food labeling, or a certificate for fresh plant-origin food (PSAT).  In this case, officers seized a green Hino truck (license plate B 9507 BPA) containing 218 sacks of peanuts, a yellow Mitsubishi Colt Diesel truck (license plate BE 8967 AO) containing 62 sacks of peanuts, and a waybill indicating a cargo of 400 sacks, each weighing 50 kilograms.

This case is being handled in accordance with applicable laws, including Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection, Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade, and Law Number 21 of 2019 concerning Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine.

The Polres of South Lampung also uncovered another case involving the alleged transport and distribution of mercury without valid permits. This case came to light on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at approximately 06:00 WIB at the entrance to Bakauheni Port, South Lampung, while officers were inspecting a bus.

During the inspection, officers discovered 61 bottles suspected to contain mercury, each weighing approximately one kilogram. The items were being transported by a passenger identified by the initials E.K.L. from Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, for delivery to a recipient identified by the initials M in the Bogor area, West Java.

In addition to the 61 bottles suspected of containing mercury, investigators also seized 200 sticker labels reading “Merkuri/HG Special for Gold,” empty bottles, jerrycans, two mobile phones, and an operational logbook.

In this case, investigators are applying Article 161 of Law Number 3 of 2020 concerning Amendments to Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining, in conjunction with Article 106 of Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade. The potential penalties include a maximum of five years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp100 billion. 

Meanwhile, the Polres of Tulang Bawang uncovered an alleged smuggling operation involving non-tax-paid cigarettes at the KM 208 rest area of ​​the Terbanggi Besar–Kayu Agung Toll Road, Tulang Bawang Regency, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at approximately 23:30 WIB.

While conducting a patrol, personnel from the Polres of Tulang Bawang Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) encountered two suspicious Isuzu Traga vehicles. Upon inspection, officers discovered 86 cartons—totaling 1.376.000 sticks—of “Marllong” brand cigarettes and 19 cartons—totaling 304.000 sticks—of “Suriya Jambu” brand cigarettes. Officers also seized one Isuzu Traga vehicle and a mobile phone.

The modus operandi in this case involved offering, handing over, selling, or making available excisable goods that failed to comply with regulations—specifically, goods lacking the required excise tax stamps. The alleged perpetrator is charged with violating Article 54 in conjunction with Article 29 paragraph (1) of Law Number 39 of 2007 concerning Excise. The potential state financial loss resulting from the seized non-tax-paid cigarettes is estimated at Rp2.068.080.000.

Kapolda Helfi reiterated, that the Polda of Lampung and all its subordinate units would continue to step up surveillance and enforcement actions against various forms of economic crime and illegal trade.

“The Polda of Lampung and all its units remain committed to eradicating various forms of economic crime and illegal trade that could harm the public or the state,” he asserted.

He also instructed his personnel not to stop at merely apprehending the perpetrator and seizing the evidence, but to continue investigations to uncover the broader network and any other parties involved.

The Polda of Lampung also urged the public to play an active role by providing information regarding any illegal trading activities via the police hotline (110) or other police service channels. (Bembo)