P4.2M smuggled cigarettes seized in Zamboanga

MANILA, Philippines — Smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of P4.2 million were confiscated in Zamboanga City, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported Thursday.

Agents from BOC-Port of Zamboanga, in coordination with Zamboanga Police Office Station 06, seized 143 master cases and 40 reams of Bravo Red Cigarettes aboard a Panel Truck on November 5 at Urban Poor Drive, Tugbungan, Zamboanga City.

The cigarettes and the vehicle were immediately handed over to BOC for inventory and proper disposition.

Meanwhile, the suspects were turned over to Zamboanga police for investigation and for filing of possible charges.

The seized items will be subject to the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for violation of Executive Order No. 245 “Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Exportation and Importation of Tobacco and Tobacco Products” and Sections 1113 (a), (f), (k) and subparagraph (1) and (5) and 117 of R.A 10863 also known as the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016, BOC said. /kga