The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Army intercepted more than 28,000 reams of smuggled cigarettes worth P22.5 million in Brgy. Magoong, Linamon, Lanao del Norte.
The apprehended cigarettes were found to be manufactured outside the Philippines and lacked the required Import Commodity Clearance from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA), according to District Collector Alexandra Lumontad.
The 564 boxes, containing 28,202 reams of cigarettes, were estimated to be worth P22,561,600.00 based on current market value. Also seized during the operation were 230 boxes of diapers and the Isuzu wing van used to conceal and transport the smuggled cigarettes.
Lumontad said she immediately issued a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) against the seized goods and vehicle on the recommendation of Collector Nasrudin Guro of the Sub-Port of Iligan, in accordance with relevant Customs laws.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio lauded the swift action of the Port of Cagayan de Oro (CDO) under the leadership of Lumontad and reaffirmed the BOC’s firm stance on protecting the country’s borders.
“The dedication of the Port of CDO’s operatives in securing our borders from illicit cigarettes is truly commendable, and (we) will continue to intensify crackdowns on the illicit tobacco trade,” Rubio said.