Smuggled cigarettes worth P13.75-M seized in Zamboanga City

Smuggled cigarettes estimated to be worth P13.752 million were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Zamboanga City. 

The BOC said the smuggled goods were being transported in motorized wooden watercraft along the waters of Maasin, Zamboanga City, on November 6, 2023.

A joint inventory conducted by BOC, Philippine National Police (PNP) Seaborne Company, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed 240 master cases of cigarettes after it flagged the watercraft. 

“The BOC will not tolerate any illicit activity that poses danger to the security and well-being of our citizens. We are relentless in our efforts to combat all forms of smuggling, and we will continue to work with our partner agency to put an end to all nefarious smuggling activities,” said Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

The products shall be processed in accordance with the violation against the Tobacco Exportation and Importation Rules and Regulations, as well as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News