Photo By: BOC
MANILA, Philippines — Government authorities have intercepted an estimated ₱1.7 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes following a joint anti-smuggling operation conducted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The operation, carried out on June 22, 2026, resulted in the seizure of twenty-three (23) container vans loaded with illicit cigarettes believed to have entered the country through private wharves using fraudulent shipment declarations.
The operation was launched after the NBI provided intelligence information to the BOC, prompting immediate coordination among enforcement agencies. Authorities subsequently tracked and accounted for all twenty-four (24) containers involved in the shipment.
Photo By: BOC
Of the total containers, sixteen (16) were discovered at a private shipping facility in Tondo, Manila, while four (4) were found aboard the vessel ASC BIG BOY. Another four (4) containers had already been dispatched to different warehouses. Three (3) of these were successfully recovered, while authorities continue efforts to locate the remaining container. The vessel has since been placed under the custody of the PCG.
Initial inspection conducted by the BOC and BIR confirmed that twenty-three (23) containers contained cigarettes without the required tax stamps. Authorities estimated the shipment to contain approximately 29,900 master cases of cigarettes with a total value of around ₱1.716 billion.
Investigators revealed that the shipment had been misdeclared as consumer goods. Records showed that the containers were loaded onto the vessel ASC BIG BOY at Pier 7, a private wharf in Cebu, before being transported to another privately operated wharf in Tondo, Manila.
Authorities said the scheme may constitute violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863), particularly provisions on misdeclaration and unlawful importation of goods. The shipment may also violate provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code concerning the possession and transport of excisable goods without payment of taxes and without the required tax stamps.
The inspection was led by Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner PMGen. Emmanuel Luis D. Licup (Ret.), together with NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag, Department of Finance Undersecretary Rolando T. Ligon, PCG Rear Admiral Christopher Meniado, representatives from the National Tobacco Administration, and key BOC officials.
Photo By: BOC
A comprehensive inventory and valuation of the seized goods are currently underway as authorities continue case build-up against individuals and entities involved in the operation.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the NBI for providing timely intelligence information and acknowledged the support of the BIR and PCG in the successful interdiction.
“The Bureau of Customs remains steadfast in its commitment to combat illicit trade, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard government revenues through stronger enforcement and inter-agency cooperation,” Nepomuceno said.
The BOC and its partner agencies are continuing their investigation to determine accountability and pursue appropriate legal action against those responsible for the smuggling operation.