BOC: Over P83M smuggled cigarettes seized in Bulacan warehouse

Photo courtesy of BOC

MANILA, Philippines — Smuggled cigarettes worth over P83 million were seized from a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan last April 24, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

BOC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso said the operation stemmed from derogatory information about the possible presence of smuggled cigarettes in the warehouse.

He added that responding agents immediately verified the information and then requested a letter of authority (LOA) from BOC Commissioner Rubio.

“We have estimated the total value of these cigarettes to be around P83,700,000, although a full inventory will still be done to determine the actual value of the items,” Enciso said in a statement on Saturday.

“For now, the warehouse has been sealed and padlocked to ensure the security of the goods until a full inventory is done,” he added.

READ: BOC must catch agents recycling smuggled cigarettes

The CIIS-MICP agents were joined by personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard-Task Force Aduana, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s Anti-Fraud, and Commercial Crimes Unit.

According to its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, personnel seized 717 master cases of assorted branded cigarettes, as well as six trucks loaded also with cigarettes within the property.

Among the cigarette brands they found were Modern, TS, Two Moon, Tattoo, Fort, H&P, Xplore, Carnival, Concord, RGD, Marvels, Chesterfields, and New Orleans.