Illegal cigarettes estimated at P3 million were intercepted in Kapatagan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
The Bureau of Customs-Port of Cagayan de Oro (BOC-CDO) on July 25 issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the 4,300 reams of undocumented cigarettes.
The confiscated cigarettes in Kapatagan were turned over on July 8 to the BOC Sub-Port of Iligan, while those confiscated in Sultan Naga Dimaporo were handed over on July 11, 2024.
The cigarettes and the vehicle used to transport the same were seized for violation of Sections 1113 (f) and 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Rules and Regulations.
Based on current market value, the 4,300 reams of cigarettes were estimated to be worth P3.584 million.
The BOC-CDO, together with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army, have apprehended an estimated amount of P29.359 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Northern Mindanao and nearby provinces since May this year.
"The initiative by the Port of CDO to improve coordination with various law enforcement agencies is essential in fulfilling our mission to fortify border security against illicit trade, including the trafficking of illegally imported tobacco products”, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio remarked.