BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: An Indonesian man was fined BND107,000 or faces imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine after being convicted on multiple customs offences involving illicit cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
Agus Kristanto, 41, was arrested on Feb 16, 2025 by law enforcement officers from the Enforcement Division (Bandar Seri Begawan Branch) of the Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED).
The arrest took place at several locations, including restaurant premises and workers’ housing in Lambak, along Berakas Main Road, and a rented room in Kampong Salambigar.
Kristanto charged by prosecutors from the RCED appeared before Magistrate Muhammad Qamarul Affyian Abdul Rahman at the Magistrate’s Court Bandar Seri Begawan on Feb 18, 2026, where he faced six charges under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006 for possessing excisable goods without lawful authority.
The first charge relates to possessing 30 cartons, four packets and 13 sticks of assorted cigarettes. The second charge relates to possessing five bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages, and possessing 62 cartons, 11 packets and five sticks of assorted cigarettes.
The fourth charge relates to possessing 26 bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages. The fifth and sixth charges relate to possessing a bottle of alcoholic beverage and possessing five sticks of cigarettes.
Upon conviction, the court imposed a total fine of BND107,000, with a cumulative default sentence of 50 months’ imprisonment should the fines remain unpaid.
The seized items, including the assorted cigarettes and alcoholic beverages were ordered forfeited to the government for disposal.
In addition, cash amounting to BND445 and SGD160, along with two mobile phones were also confiscated and handed over to the government for further action. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
