BOC intercepts P21M worth of undocumented cigarettes in Albay

The Bureau of Customs seized more than P21 million worth of undocumented cigarettes from a vessel in Pio Duran, Albay late last month.

According to the BOC on Saturday, ''Susie,'' a motorized banca, carried 377 master cases of undocumented cigarettes valued at P21,602,100 on November 21.

Initial investigation revealed that the cigarettes had no revenue seal, while the nine crew members on board were unable to present any legal documents for the goods.

“This operation underscores our relentless commitment to combating the illicit trade of cigarettes and dismantling the nefarious activities of smuggling networks,” said BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

A warrant of seizure and detention will be issued against the cigarettes as well as its conveyance for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to the Amended Rules and regulations Governing the Exportation and Importation of Tobacco and Tobacco Products pursuant to Executive Order 245, as well as violations of the National Internal Revenue Code of the Philippines, the BOC said.

The operation was conducted with assistance from the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG), Regional Maritime Unit 5, and Ligao Maritime Law Enforcement Team (MLET). — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News