BOC-Port of Cebu seizes over P1.8B worth of illicit cigarettes in one week

Local

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Cebu has confiscated more than ₱1.84 billion worth of illicit cigarettes in two separate anti-smuggling operations conducted in more than a week.

The latest operation on July 2 resulted in the seizure of 25 20-foot container vans loaded with illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱980 million at a private wharf in Mandaue City.

The inspection was carried out under a Letter of Authority issued pursuant to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Customs personnel, assisted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), found all 25 containers filled with illicit tobacco products.

The latest haul came just days after another successful enforcement operation on June 24, when authorities intercepted 11 40-foot container vans containing illicit cigarettes valued at ₱860 million.

That operation involved the BOC-Port of Cebu, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), NBI, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Investigators said the June 24 operation began after authorities intercepted two container vans transporting illicit cigarettes through domestic shipping routes in Mandaue City.

Information gathered during the operation led authorities to additional containers in Cebu City and a private shipping facility in Mandaue, bringing the total to 11 containers.

In a statement, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the consecutive seizures reflect the Bureau's intensified campaign against tobacco smuggling, adding that intelligence-driven operations and close coordination with partner agencies will continue to target syndicates involved in the illegal trade.

Authorities are now conducting further investigations to determine the origin of the shipments, identify those responsible, and pursue appropriate charges for violations of customs and related laws.

District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad said the operations underscore the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating smuggling.(MyTVCebu)