CUSTOMS Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno leads an inspection of smuggled cigarettes stored at the Port of Davao on Thursday, April 9. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Customs has seized 182,821 reams of smuggled cigarettes valued at P156 million in Mindanao.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, with the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Police Regional Office-11, and the Davao City Police Office, inspected the contraband stored at the Port of Davao here.
These were recovered in operations conducted on Jan. 6 and April 3 by the Port of Davao Enforcement and Security Service and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service in coordination with the Philippine National Police targeting warehouses identified through verified intelligence reports and issued letters of authority.
BOC-Davao said 124,150 reams of cigarettes, valued at P106.23 million, were seized in the first operation while the second operation resulted in the confiscation of 58,671 reams valued at P50.20 million.
Nepomuceno emphasized that the seizure demonstrates strict enforcement to prevent tax nonpayment, which costs the government billions of dollars annually and poses serious health risks to the public.
On April 7, the PRO-11 and the DCPO discovered 50 boxes of smuggled cigarettes valued at P2.5 million during a joint operation in Ma-a here.
DCPO Director Police Col. Peter Bauzon Madria said the operation reflects their intensified drive against illicit trade and are investigating who is behind and if they are linked to bigger smuggling operations.
Madria said the joint effort shows smuggling and other illegal activities are not be allowed in Davao City. He noted that smuggled cigarettes avoid taxes, hurt legal businesses, and cause regulatory problems.
“We are committed to expanding intelligence-led operations and reinforcing partnerships to dismantle smuggling networks. Protecting the safety and welfare of our community remains our top priority,” Madria said.
Nepomuceno said these often enter various areas in the Philippines through non-international ports or produced in makeshift factories without permits and originate from Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Nepomuceno said authorities are combating smuggling through intelligence-driven operations and recovered some confiscated cigarettes hidden underground in zone areas and warehouses.
Nepomuceno said all contraband are securely stored at the Port of Davao and will soon be destroyed through shredding and soaking broadcast live with authorities.
"The destruction process is conducted transparently. Observers include not only the bureau's personnel but also those of other agencies to ensure that no smuggled goods are resold or repurposed illegally," Nepomuceno said.
The Customs Commissioner cited 147 successful operations against illegal cigarettes this year, with an estimated value of P3.046 billion. Eighty-four cases were filed before the Department of Justice and in 2025, eight cigarette-related criminal cases were lodged at the DOJ.
He said authorities conducted 317 operations in 2025 and 2026 and recovered P1.87 billion in smuggled cigarettes.
This year’s operations have exceeded last year's total value, Nepomuceno said.
"Let me clarify, the BOC does not file cases directly in court. We course them through the Department of Justice," Nepomuceno said, adding that they have so far recorded three convictions over smuggled cigarettes in 2025.