NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Joint Operation Intercepts Massive Cigarette Smuggling Ops
Photo credit: BOC
In a coordinated effort on December 3, 2023, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) - Port of Davao and the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) collaborated to intercept illicit contraband in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of 454 master cases containing 22,700 reams of assorted cigarette brands, valued at P17,025,500.00. The motorized banca used for smuggling was seized during the operation.
Acting on credible intelligence, BOC-Davao, in partnership with NFEM, initiated an extensive operation to combat the illegal cigarette trade in the region. The composite team intercepted and investigated a motorized banca suspected of carrying illicit goods, leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of undocumented smuggled cigarettes—violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act for Outright Smuggling.
Six individuals operating the motorized banca were handed over to the Naval Intelligence Security Group (NISG) for booking and filing of appropriate charges. Following an inventory, the seized cigarettes and motorized banca are currently stored in a warehouse, awaiting legal proceedings for seizure and forfeiture.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of 454 master cases containing 22,700 reams of assorted cigarette brands, valued at P17,025,500.00. The motorized banca used for smuggling was seized during the operation.
Acting on credible intelligence, BOC-Davao, in partnership with NFEM, initiated an extensive operation to combat the illegal cigarette trade in the region. The composite team intercepted and investigated a motorized banca suspected of carrying illicit goods, leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of undocumented smuggled cigarettes—violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act for Outright Smuggling.
Six individuals operating the motorized banca were handed over to the Naval Intelligence Security Group (NISG) for booking and filing of appropriate charges. Following an inventory, the seized cigarettes and motorized banca are currently stored in a warehouse, awaiting legal proceedings for seizure and forfeiture.
Dec 20, 2023
