By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Cebu has intercepted PHP980 million worth of illicit cigarettes concealed inside 25 20-foot container vans in Cebu.
In a news release Friday, the BOC said the illegal tobacco shipments were discovered during an enforcement operation conducted on July 2 at a private wharf facility in Mandaue City.
The operation, carried out in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), was implemented by virtue of a Letter of Authority (LOA) and Mission Order pursuant to Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Further investigation is being conducted to identify the persons responsible, establish the origin of the shipments, and determine the full extent of the violations committed under existing customs and related laws.
Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the BOC remains resolute in its campaign against the illicit tobacco trade and all forms of smuggling.
“The message of this operation is clear: the BOC will not stop its campaign against the illicit tobacco trade and all forms of smuggling,” he said.
“The agency will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven enforcement operations, in collaboration with our partner agencies, to completely dismantle smuggling networks, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard public funds,” the BOC chief added. (PNA)
