BUREAU of Customs agents have intercepted in Zamboanga City a motorized wooden boat ferrying hundreds of boxes of smuggled cigarettes worth P24.6 million.
The seizure of smuggled goods was accomplished in coordination with the military’s 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company “Seaborne” off Brgy. Sinunuc, Zamboanga City, according to a BOC statement.
“The team conducted a joint maritime patrol operation, leading to the interception of a motorized wooden watercraft marked “MB Utoh Mat Mat,” loaded with boxes of cigarettes, the statement read.
The BOC said the five crewmen of the seized vessel claimed they were bound to Zamboanga City from Jolo, Sulu, but failed to provide documents proving the lawful importation of cigarettes.
An inventory conducted by the BOC on October 23, 2023 revealed that the vessel was carrying 423 boxes of cigarettes of various brands such as President and Cannon Menthol.
Acting District Collector, Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. said the Port of Zamboanga is closely coordinating with other operating units in conducting maritime patrol operations pursuant to the directive of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio to improve strategies in BOC’s fight against the illicit cigarette trade.
Meanwhile, Rubio ordered a thorough investigation into alleged pilferage at a Pasay City warehouse, which was recently padlocked for alleged infringement on intellectual property rights.
The bureau will also investigate 77 people, including 10 Chinese nationals, who have been arrested and may face criminal charges.
On Thursday, the authorities conducted an operation leading to the arrest of the suspects who were caught carrying the forfeited illicit goods while inside the padlocked warehouse onAcosta Street in Barangay 77, Pasay.
A truck van was also spotted while being loaded with the forfeited goods.
One of the suspects, a woman, claimed they were instructed by their Chinese employer to go to the warehouse to ship some goods. Upon arrival, they discovered the gate was already open.
“We don’t know who opened that gate. It’s already open and we’re in a hurry,” she said.
Operatives of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) conducted the operation with the help of the Enforcement and Security Service – Quick Reaction Team, the Coast Guard, the Bureau Action Team Against Smuggling, and the local barangay.
Rubio gave assurance that the goods will remain in custody pending filing of appropriate cases against the owners.
He said the success of each operation, including seeing them through legal proceedings, is crucial to the health of the Philippine industry and sends the right message to businesses that want to invest in the country.
Counterfeit goods are becoming a significant issue in the Philippines, with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) requesting assistance from agencies like the Bureau of Customs to combat the proliferation of fake and pirated goods.
Bogus signature apparels were the most common subject of complaints, followed by gadgets and cosmetics.
Violations of copyright law is punishable of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to P150,000 for the first offense, up to six years imprisonment and a maximum fine of P500,000 for the second offense, and up to nine years imprisonment and a fine of up to P1.5 million for subsequent offenses.