Customs Busts Major Illegal Liquor Syndicate in Bali, Seizes 20,000 Bottles

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) has successfully thwarted the circulation of approximately 20,000 bottles, equivalent to 14,400.36 liters, of illegal alcoholic beverages (MMEA) in Bali. The seized goods are suspected of using counterfeit tax stamps, with an estimated value of IDR 12.55 billion. According to Director General of Customs and Excise, Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Djaka Budhi Utama, the confiscated items consist of Grade B and Grade C alcoholic beverages from various brands. This operation has enabled the state to avoid potential revenue losses amounting to IDR 2.14 billion. "In total, the goods seized amounted to approximately 20,000 bottles or around 14,500 liters of MMEA grade B and grade C of various brands, with an estimated value of goods of IDR 12.55 billion and the potential loss of the state that has been saved as much as IDR 2.14 billion," he stated. The investigation into this case was initiated following intelligence information regarding the alleged circulation, shipment, and hoarding of illegal MMEA in the Denpasar area. On July 23, a joint team comprising the Directorate of Enforcement and Investigation of the Customs Headquarters, the DJBC Bali Nusra Regional Office, the Denpasar KPPBC, and the TNI BAIS carried out enforcement operations. During the operation, officers stopped a vehicle on Jalan Padma, Legian, Badung, which had just exited a building on Jalan Laksamana III, Banjar Babakan Sari, East Denpasar. An inspection of the vehicle revealed that the drinks contained ethyl alcohol and were wrapped with tax tape suspected of being fake. This incident highlights the potential for widespread illegal trade in tourist destinations like Bali, and authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the organized syndicate.