432 Boxes of Smuggled Cigarettes Valued P13-M Seized in Cotabato City

BOC Apprehended 432 Boxes of Smuggled Cigarettes in Cotabato City

432 boxes of smuggled cigarettes valued at P13 million were intercepted while in transit onboard a motorized Banca in Cotabato City.

According to the report of GMA News, the shipment was intercepted while entering the country through the Rio Grande River in Cotabato City aboard a motorized banca marked “Al-Shameem.”

Smuggled Cigarettes Cotabato
Image Source: BOC Twitter

The smuggled cigarettes have brand names such as Fort, Bravo, Canon, New Berlin, Astro, Famous, and Aries.

“Through stronger relations with our partner agencies, we have increased anti-smuggling activities that has led to higher rates of seizure on illicit goods in our area of responsibility.” BOC Davao District Collector Atty. Erastus Sandino Austria said. 

READ ALSO: 3 Handheld Illegal Drug Analyzers From United States Handed To BOC

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) has already been issued against the shipment. A violation of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Based on the report, the shipment was intercepted through the joint operation of the bureau through Port of Davao’s sub-port in Parang, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, Philippine Marines, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard.

The Port of Davao assured the public that the collection district along with the Sub-Ports will work to protect the country’s borders in line with Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero’s call to prevent smuggling into the country, according to the BOC.

READ ALSO: BOC Retrieves Smuggled Luxury Cars In Manila Port

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