REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
BOC Zamboanga Destroys P595M Worth Of Smuggled Cigarettes
Photo credit: BOC
In a decisive move against illicit trade, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Zamboanga conducted the destruction of smuggled cigarettes valued at over Php 595 million. The event took place in a customs-rented warehouse located in Brgy. Baliwasan, Zamboanga City, on June 13, 2024.
Under its mandate to protect national borders from illegal activities, particularly in Region 9 and BARMM, the BOC Port of Zamboanga intensified its anti-smuggling efforts. This endeavor resulted in the confiscation and subsequent disposal of more than 8,816 cases and 1,014 reams of smuggled cigarettes.
The seized contraband, estimated at P595.22 million, was intercepted during maritime patrols across areas including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, from November 2023 to April 2024.
The cigarettes underwent meticulous destruction procedures, which involved manual shredding, soaking in water, and crushing by payloader equipment at the warehouse. The disposal will conclude with the transfer of remnants to a sanitary landfill in Brgy. Salaan, Zamboanga City.
Acting District Collector Arthur Sevilla Jr. underscored the adherence to environmental regulations and public safety measures during the disposal process. He emphasized the transparency of the operation, conducted in the presence of auditors from the Commission on Audit, health officials from the Department of Health, local government representatives, and other stakeholders.
Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reiterated the BOC's commitment to transparency and credibility in all operations, particularly in the condemnation and disposal of illicit goods. He highlighted the role of such activities in ensuring only legitimate products enter local markets, thereby safeguarding public health from the dangers associated with illegal tobacco trade.
Commissioner Rubio commended the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement and government agencies involved in the successful interception and disposal operation. He recognized the Customs Police Division, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Division, and partner units such as the Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other key stakeholders for their proactive inter-agency coordination.
Under its mandate to protect national borders from illegal activities, particularly in Region 9 and BARMM, the BOC Port of Zamboanga intensified its anti-smuggling efforts. This endeavor resulted in the confiscation and subsequent disposal of more than 8,816 cases and 1,014 reams of smuggled cigarettes.
The seized contraband, estimated at P595.22 million, was intercepted during maritime patrols across areas including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, from November 2023 to April 2024.
The cigarettes underwent meticulous destruction procedures, which involved manual shredding, soaking in water, and crushing by payloader equipment at the warehouse. The disposal will conclude with the transfer of remnants to a sanitary landfill in Brgy. Salaan, Zamboanga City.
Acting District Collector Arthur Sevilla Jr. underscored the adherence to environmental regulations and public safety measures during the disposal process. He emphasized the transparency of the operation, conducted in the presence of auditors from the Commission on Audit, health officials from the Department of Health, local government representatives, and other stakeholders.
Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reiterated the BOC's commitment to transparency and credibility in all operations, particularly in the condemnation and disposal of illicit goods. He highlighted the role of such activities in ensuring only legitimate products enter local markets, thereby safeguarding public health from the dangers associated with illegal tobacco trade.
Commissioner Rubio commended the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement and government agencies involved in the successful interception and disposal operation. He recognized the Customs Police Division, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Division, and partner units such as the Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other key stakeholders for their proactive inter-agency coordination.
Jun 13, 2024
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