DILI, 16 august 2023 (TATOLI)– The Customs Authority in Timor-Leste revealed that the lack of control over the border, the sale of illegal cigarettes continues active in the local market in Timor-Leste.
Commissariat of Customs and Excise, José Abilio said, Customs and the Minister of Finance had discussed integrated control between Customs and PNTL members to have checkpoints for all public transport crossing the border.
“We will coordinate with the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) to strengthen surveillance at the border to stop the illegal import of cigarettes in the border zone. We will carry out routine operations to ensure that all illegal materials will not be transported across the border to Timor-Leste,” Abilio José told reporters at the Government Palace, Wednesday.
He added that Customs wants to record the main distributors of illegal cigarettes: “It is important to know the main author behind this illegal commercial activity. Customs also wants to work with people living across the border to share information with authorities to intervene.” he added.
He also explained that the lack of control at the border was due to Timor-Leste having sufficient operational budget to carry out regular border controls.
This is also caused by the lack of human resources to ensure routine control at the entry border location.
“People take the opportunity to cross the border line and commercialize illegal cigarettes when PNTL members are resting or doing other activities,” he said.
Timor-Leste Customs will also work closely with Indonesian authorities to strengthen controls in the border zone.
Head of the AIFASA Inspection and Operations Unit, Armindo Gusmão said that in 2022, more than 39 people were involved in the sale of smuggled and illegal tobacco. Many cartons of Surya 12 and many packages of Joker are past their expiration dates.
Meanwhile, from January to November 2022, the Inspection Authority for Economic Activities, Sanitation and Food (AIFAESA), through its inspection campaign, seized a total of 1689 Joker packages (Sago trees, and more than 640 cartons of Surya12 cigarettes).
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
