A joint law enforcement operation intercepted 11 container vans loaded with illicit cigarettes worth an estimated P860 million in Cebu, marking one of the region’s largest anti-smuggling operations this year.
The operation on June 24 was led by the Bureau of Customs in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Authorities said intelligence information initially led operatives to two 40-foot container vans carrying illicit cigarettes in Mandaue City during the early hours of June 24.
Information obtained from the drivers later directed authorities to a container yard in Barangay Bacayan, Cebu City, where six more container vans loaded with cigarettes were discovered.
Investigators subsequently learned from representatives of the trucking company that three additional containers had yet to be unloaded from a private shipping facility in Mandaue City.
Authorities later confirmed that the containers were also loaded with cigarettes, bringing the total number of intercepted containers to 11.
Initial findings showed the shipments were transported through domestic routes using a local shipping line for distribution.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the operating teams and reiterated the agency’s commitment to combating the illegal tobacco trade.
“We will not stop cracking down on the illegal cigarette trade, which undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the government of revenue. Through sustained intelligence operations and close coordination with our partner agencies, the Bureau of Customs will continue to pursue those responsible and dismantle the networks that enable illicit trade,” Nepomuceno said.
The Port of Cebu is coordinating with shipping line officials to trace the origin and movement of the shipments.
Authorities are also conducting a full inventory and final valuation to determine the exact value of the seized products.
District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad said the successful operation highlighted the importance of cooperation among government agencies.
“This accomplishment demonstrates the value of strong inter-agency coordination. The Port of Cebu remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthen its enforcement efforts through close collaboration with other agencies,” Yap-Lumontad said.
The seizure came days after customs authorities intercepted 23 containers of illicit cigarettes worth about P1.7 billion at a private wharf in Manila.
Combined with the Cebu operation, authorities have confiscated an estimated P2.5 billion worth of illicit cigarette shipments this week as part of the government’s intensified anti-smuggling campaign.
Photo courtesy of NBI 7
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