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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Gov't anti-smuggling drive yields near-₱1 billion tobacco bust in Cebu

Gov't anti-smuggling drive yields near-₱1 billion tobacco bust in Cebu

Published Jul 3, 2026 02:18 pm

At A Glance

  • Nearly ₱1 billion worth of illegal cigarettes concealed in 25 container vans have been intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Mandaue City, Cebu on Thursday, July 2, marking the country's second-largest tax collection agency's major seizures under its intensified campaign against tobacco smuggling.
Nearly ₱1 billion worth of illegal cigarettes concealed in 25 container vans have been intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Mandaue City, Cebu on Thursday, July 2, marking the country’s second-largest tax collection agency’s major seizures under its intensified campaign against tobacco smuggling.
In a July 3 statement, the BOC said the high-stakes enforcement operation targeted a private wharf facility where Customs personnel identified and inspected the suspicious cargo. BOC agents acted on a letter of authority (LOA) and mission order issued pursuant to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Upon opening the containers, authorities confirmed they were filled with illicit cigarettes carrying an estimated market value of ₱980 million.
This massive haul represents a massive feat in the government’s ongoing effort to dismantle smuggling networks that threaten the national economy.
According to the BOC, the operation is a key component of a broader strategy, directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., to protect legitimate businesses from unfair competition and to safeguard vital government revenues.
The seizure was a result of a coordinated joint effort involving the BOC Port of Cebu, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized the agency’s resolve to continue these intelligence-driven enforcement actions.
He said this operation signals the agency’s intensified campaign, stating that it “will not stop its campaign against the illicit tobacco trade and all forms of smuggling.”
“The agency will continue to strengthen its intelligence-driven enforcement operations, in partnership with our partner agencies, to completely dismantle smuggling networks, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard public funds,” Nepomuceno added.
Currently, the Bureau is conducting an investigation to establish the exact origin of the shipments and pinpoint the individuals responsible for these extensive violations of customs laws.
Under the leadership of District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad, the Port of Cebu has pledged to remain steadfast in its mandate to curb all forms of smuggling.
Moving forward, the agency intends to further enhance its intelligence network and maintain close coordination with partner law enforcement agencies to ensure government interests are protected and national trade regulations are strictly followed. (Derco Rosal)

Related Tags

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Ariel Nepomuceno Cebu Cigarette smuggling
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