At A Glance
- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a total of P27.6 million worth of illegal cigarettes in the waters of Davao Gulf.<br>Authorities from BOC and the Philippine Navy inspected a motorized banca that contained 35,850 reams of different cigarette brands with an estimated value of P27,587,500.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized over P27.6 million worth of illegal cigarettes in the waters of Davao Gulf.
Authorities from BOC and the Philippine Navy conducted a joint inspection on Nov. 6 that led to the discovery of a motorized banca which contained a total of 35,850 reams of different cigarette brands that have an estimated value of P27.6 million.
Maritess T. Martin, BOC Port of Davao district collector, issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the goods.
The seized cigarettes were stored in a warehouse under the Customs, while the motorized banca is in the care of the Enforcement and Security Service - Davao, the BOC said.
Earlier, the Port of Davao also seized over P54,988,000 million worth of illicit cigarettes this year.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio lauded the men and women of Port of Davao and the Navy for their commitment to protecting the country's borders against illicit trade.
These efforts are aligned with the 10-point priority programs of Commissioner Rubio through active collaboration with partner enforcement, the Customs said.