Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has warned the agency’s senior officials against attempts to steal seized smuggled cigarettes, ordering tighter monitoring and stricter inventory accountability.

Nepomuceno, through a memorandum dated Aug. 3, told the BOC’s high-ranking officials that his office “has received reports of attempts to steal confiscated illicit cigarettes presently under BOC custody and control at the ports”.

Recognizing such illegal transactions, Nepomucano, ordered all district commanders, enforcement and security services, chiefs, and auction and cargo disposal divisions (ACDD), to “immediately intensify the security, monitoring and accountability measures over all confiscated illicit cigarettes in their respective ports”.

“They shall ensure continuous control over the storage areas and container, strictly regulate and document access thereto, and immediately report any suspicious activity, attempted breach, loss, or inventory discrepancy to the office of the commissioner (OCOM) through the appropriate group,” the memo read.

These reported attempts to pilfer seized contraband “undermine the integrity of the Bureau’s enforcement operations and shall not be tolerated,” the Commissioner said.

According to the country’s second-largest tax collection agency, the directive serves as a reinforcement of a previous order issued July, specifically referencing the strict implementation of a “one-strike policy against corrupt practices and participation in smuggling and other unlawful activities.”

Nepomucano made it clear that the memorandum serves as a “final and stern warning” to all concerned officials.

To ensure no unauthorized movement of goods occurs, the memo stated that “no BOC personnel shall allow any change in the custody, possession, location, or disposition of confiscated illicit cigarettes without the prior written approval of the Commissioner.”

There are serious repercussions for shortcomings or breachers. Nepomuceno warned that should any cigarette stocks be stolen or diverted, “any official or employee found to have participated in, facilitated, tolerated, or enabled such theft or unauthorized removal shall be immediately relieved.”

He added that erring personnel will face administrative, civil, and criminal charges under applicable laws, while supervisors may also be held accountable under the principle of command responsibility.

To enforce these heightened security protocols, the Deputy Commissioner of the Internal Administration Group (IAG) has been tasked to coordinate with the enforcement, intelligence, and assessment groups.

Within five days, they must submit recommendations on the administrative support needed to strengthen the BOC’s efforts to secure confiscated illicit cigarettes, including additional personnel, equipment, and improved monitoring systems.