The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized over P24.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga City.
The operation was carried out jointly by the BOC Port of Zamboanga and other units. It involved the interception of a motorized wooden boat bearing the markings "MB UTOH MAT MAT."
The boat was found to be carrying five crew members and boxes of cigarettes sourced from Jolo, Sulu.
Upon inspection, the crew failed to provide the necessary legal documents for the importation of the cigarettes.
The confiscated contraband included 423 master cases of cigarettes, encompassing various brands such as President and Cannon Menthol.
P24-M illicit cigarettes seized in Zamboanga City
Oct 27, 2023 08:06 AM
At a glance
Over P24.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized in the city of Zamboanga, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported Friday, Oct. 27.
During a joint operation, members of the BOC Port of Zamboanga and other units intercepted a motorized wooden boat bearing the marks “MB UTOH MAT MAT” carrying five crew members and boxes of cigarettes from Jolo, Sulu.
The BOC said the crew failed to provide legal documents for the importation of the cigarettes.
The boat contained 423 master cases of cigarettes of several brands such as President and Cannon Menthol.
The subject vessel and imported master cases of cigarettes are currently with the authorities for violating the importation and exportation law on tobacco.
Arthur G. Sevilla Jr., acting district collector of the Port of Zamboanga, said that its team is closely coordinating with other operating units in conducting maritime patrol operations against illicit cigarette trade.
Meanwhile, the Customs reported September that nearly P32 billion worth of smuggled goods, including cigarettes, were seized from January to September.