P16.9M smuggled cigarettes seized in Manila pier – PCG
Authorities have confiscated P16.9 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes during an inspection in Manila on Friday, March 14.
Joint teams from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) inspected an undeclared container at Pier 14 in North Harbor and found 16,900 rims of cigarettes that were not properly documented.
The PCG said the operation was a follow-up to the discovery of P15.8 million smuggled cigarettes from a similar undeclared container at North Harbor last March 5.
The two undeclared containers arrived at the Port of Manila last Feb. 27, according to the Coast Guard.
The cigarettes from the second container were stuffed in 83 boxes with packaging similar to the previously confiscated items from the first container, the PCG said.
The boxes of cigarettes were mixed with boxes of parcels from a “well-known online shopping platform,” which the authorities did not identify, and boxes of condiments from other consignees.
“Following verification and inspection, the BOC sealed the container for a full inventory and further investigation,” the PCG said in a statement on Saturday, March 15.
The PCG said it has conducted a round-the-clock monitoring and security at North Harbor through its Coast Guard Station Manila since the arrival of the undeclared containers to safeguard other cargo containers.
“This operation highlights the PCG’s unwavering commitment to combat smuggling and ensure maritime security. Further actions are underway to identify those responsible,” the agency noted.