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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider P14-M illicit cigarettes seized in Zamboanga

P14-M illicit cigarettes seized in Zamboanga

Published Nov 9, 2023 08:06 am

At A Glance

  • The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a motorized wooden watercraft loaded with smuggled imported cigarettes in the waters of Maasin, Zamboanga City.<br>The seizure was made in coordination with the Philippine National Police at the Port of Zamboanga.<br>The intercepted cigarettes were estimated to be worth around P13.752 million.<br>The vessel, named "Lautanmas 3," was valued at P150,000. The cigarettes were found to be undocumented and were purportedly transported from Jolo, Sulu, with the intention of being unloaded in Zamboanga City.<br>Both the vessel and the 240 master cases of cigarettes are currently under the custody of the BOC.<br>Seizure and forfeiture proceedings will take place, followed by disposal.<br>The violation is related to the "Tobacco Exportation and Importation Rules and Regulations" of the National Tobacco Administration, as per Executive Order No. 245 and Section 1117 of Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), specifically Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (a), and (g).

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the agency has seized a wooden boat loaded with smuggled imported cigarettes in Maasin, Zamboanga City's waters.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said a joint operation between the Port of Zamboanga and the Philippine National Police resulted in the interception of illicit cigarettes worth around P13.752 million last Nov. 6.

According to Rubio, government authorities identified a motorized wooden watercraft named "Lautanmas 3" worth P150,000 during a maritime patrol operation. 

Subsequently, the vessel was discovered to be carrying undocumented imported cigarettes, allegedly originating from Jolo, Sulu, and intended for unloading in Zamboanga City.

A joint inventory conducted by BOC, PNP Seaborne Company, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed 240 master cases of cigarettes bearing the brands: "San Marino," "Astro," "Green Hill," "New Berlin," "New Far," "Cannon," and “Bravo."

Following a thorough examination by PDEA's drug-sniffing canines, the seized master cases of cigarettes including the carrying vessel were confirmed negative for illegal drugs.

 “The BOC will not tolerate any illicit activity that poses danger to the security and well-being of our citizens,” Rubio said in a statement. 

“We are relentless in our efforts to combat all forms of smuggling, and we will continue to work with our partner agency to put an end to all nefarious smuggling activities,” he added.

 Meanwhile, District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. lauded the Port of Zamboanga personnel and partner agencies for the successful maritime operations in ZamBaSulTa. 

He also affirmed that BOC-Port of Zamboanga will remain vigilant against smuggling and other customs fraud, in line with Rubio’s directive to implement stringent border control measures in Mindanao.

 The BOC currently has custody of both the vessel and the 240 master cases of cigarettes, which will remain in their possession until seizure and forfeiture proceedings are completed. 

The violation pertains to the "Tobacco Exportation and Importation Rules and Regulations" of the National Tobacco Administration, as outlined in Executive Order No. 245 and Section 1117 of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). 

Specifically, the violation is related to Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (a), and (g).

Related Tags

Bureau of Customs illicit cigarettes Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio
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