Photo By: Bureau of Customs
MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Cebu, seized an estimated ₱980 million worth of illicit cigarettes concealed in 25 20-foot container vans during an enforcement operation at a private wharf facility in Mandaue City, Cebu, on 02 July 2026.
The operation was conducted under a Letter of Authority (LOA) and Mission Order issued pursuant to Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). Customs personnel carried out the inspection in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
Authorities discovered illicit cigarettes in all 25 container vans, with the shipments estimated to be worth ₱980 million.
Photo By: Bureau of Customs
The seizure is part of the Bureau’s intensified nationwide campaign against the illegal tobacco trade, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border enforcement, curb smuggling, and protect government revenues.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the Bureau remains committed to pursuing intelligence-driven operations to dismantle smuggling networks and hold violators accountable.
“Malinaw ang mensahe ng operasyong ito—hindi titigil ang BOC sa kampanya laban sa illicit tobacco trade at lahat ng uri ng smuggling. Ipagpapatuloy ng ahensya ang pagpapalakas ng intelligence-driven enforcement operations, katuwang ang ating partner agencies, upang tuluyang mabuwag ang mga smuggling networks, maprotektahan ang mga legitimate businesses, at mabantayan ang pondo ng bayan,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The Bureau has launched a further investigation to identify the individuals involved, trace the origin of the shipments, and determine the full extent of violations under existing customs and related laws.
The Bureau of Customs–Port of Cebu, led by District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening enforcement efforts and working closely with partner law enforcement agencies to combat all forms of smuggling and ensure compliance with customs laws.