Smuggled cigarettes and raw tobacco materials worth ₱3.3 billion were confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Agusan del Norte province during a major operation aimed at curbing illicit trade that has been eroding government revenues in recent years.

The seizure, involving 54 container vans, comes as the government intensified its campaign against large-scale smuggling operations.

Conducted last May 8, the operation followed a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to “intensify efforts against smuggling and strengthen border protection measures nationwide.”

Acting under a letter of authority (LOA) issued by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the implementing team coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to verify the contents and documentation of the suspicious shipments.

Upon inspection, authorities were met with a staggering volume of contraband. Initial inspection findings showed that 52 container vans carried boxes of various cigarette brands, including Red and Menthol Modern, Red and Menthol Carnival, Nise Baisha, Commando, Gold H&P, Delta, GJB-FH, BR Centro, Centro, Bossku, and TS Cigarettes.

Additionally, “two container vans were found to contain boxes of raw tobacco materials, bringing the total number of inspected container vans to 54, with an estimated value of ₱3.3 billion,” the BOC reported.

“This operation reflects our firm commitment to going after illicit tobacco shipments and ensuring that all imported goods entering the country are properly declared and compliant with customs laws,” Nepomuceno said.

Nepomuceno vowed that the BOC will “continue to strengthen our enforcement efforts and work closely with partner agencies to protect our borders and government revenues.” The BOC is tasked with collecting an elusive ₱1 trillion for 2026.

Results of the investigation showed that the shipments likely came from overseas, with authorities citing the container numbers as signs of their foreign origin.

When questioned, company representatives “were unable to present proof of payment of duties and taxes, import permits, or shipping documents at the time of verification.”

To secure the evidence, all container vans were padlocked by the implementing team. The container yard is now under 24-hour security provided by the customs police of the enforcement and security service (ESS) district office of the Port of Surigao.

Official proceedings, including further inventory, examination, and verification, are currently underway to “determine the exact quantity, valuation, and possible violations committed in relation to the shipments.” - Derco Rosal