The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a suspected smuggling vessel in the Celebes Sea on Tuesday, February 24, seizing approximately 3,000 master cases of illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱180 million.
Acting on intelligence reports of a mid-sea cargo transfer, the BOC teamed up with the Philippine Navy–Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) under Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo M. Reyes. The joint team conducted an anti-smuggling operation to track the vessel’s irregular maneuvers.
Authorities cornered and apprehended the vessel 52 nautical miles west of Kalamansig Port.
Upon boarding, inspectors discovered thousands of master cases of illicit cigarettes without supporting lawful importation documents. The crew was unable to confirm the legitimacy of the cargo.
The apprehending team seized the illicit items for possible violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863).
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the Bureau’s firm stand against the illegal tobacco trade, vowing to intensify operations to serve as a stern warning to smugglers.
“We will not allow illicit trade to infiltrate our borders at the expense of the welfare of the Filipino people and legitimate businesses,” Nepomuceno said. (Odralim Villarez)
