Photo from Bureau of Customs
MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Customs (BOC) agents have intercepted 30 cartons of smuggled cigarettes amounting to P900,000 at a public market Zamboanga City.
The BOC said Sunday that the smuggled cigarettes were seized after the agency received a tip that some individuals were involved in smuggling in the Magay Public Market, Zamboanga City.
According to the BOC, the smuggled cigarettes were loaded in two different hatchback-type vehicles inside the Pier Area of the said market.
During inspection, the drivers of the vehicles failed to present the necessary documents needed, which led to their arrest.
The drivers were then brought to the National Bureau of Investigation for proper investigation and possible filing of charges.
The vehicles and the cigarettes, meanwhile, will be subject to “forfeiture proceedings” in relation to Executive Order No. 245 entitled, “Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Exportation and Importation of Tobacco and Tobacco Products.”
The said operation were made through joint anti-smuggling operation with members of NBI and the Philippine Coast Guard. /je