P215M worth of smuggled cigarettes, vegetables destroyed

The Bureau of Customs Port of Subic destroyed P215 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and vegetables that the agency recently seized. Photo from BOC

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT –– The Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroyed about P215 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and vegetables that were seized in this free port.

BOC on Sunday said a total of 5,810 master cases of illegal and counterfeit cigarettes with various brands like Fortune, Jackpot, Mighty, Two Moon, D&B, Seven Stars, Union, and Marvels were crushed and shredded.

Three 40-footer containers of illegally imported vegetables, such as onions, were also destroyed at a rendering facility in Porac, Pampanga on Friday.

Maritess Martin, BOC Subic District Collector, said the operation was part of the agency’s intensified effort to protect the border and stop smuggling in the country.

BOC said all the smuggled items were crushed, shredded, and dumped in a rendering facility in Porac, Pampanga on Friday.

Officials of the port and representatives from PMFTC Inc., Japan Tobacco International, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Plant Industry were present at the condemnation.

Martin gave assurance that the BOC is intensifying border protection to stop smuggling, noting that smugglers are taking advantage of the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Martin said they will continue to support the BOC and Commissioner Ray Guerrero’s program to intensify border protection and transparency to the public. — Miggy Dumlao, trainee

ZB/EDV