BOC seizes P3.5M worth of cigarettes in Lanao del Norte

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized over P3.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Lanao del Norte.

In a news release on Friday, the BOC said its operatives from the Port of Cagayan de Oro issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention on July 25, 2024 against 4,300 reams of undocumented cigarettes apprehended in Kapatagan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo.

The Customs said the confiscated cigarettes in Kapatagan were turned over on July 8, 2024 to the BOC Sub-Port of Iligan. 

While those confiscated in Sultan Naga Dimaporo were handed over on July 11, 2024.

The BOC added that the vehicle used to transport the undocumented items was seized for violation of Sections 1113 (f) and 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Rules and Regulations. 

Since May, 2024, the BOC port of CDO, together with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army, have apprehended an estimated amount of P29.359 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Northern Mindanao and nearby provinces.

"The initiative by the Port of CDO to improve coordination with various law enforcement agencies is essential in fulfilling our mission to fortify border security against illicit trade, including the trafficking of illegally imported tobacco products,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.—Ted Cordero/Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News