BOC Seized P4 Million Smuggled Counterfeit Cigarettes in Zamboanga City
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel has seized P4 million worth of counterfeit cigarettes allegedly smuggled in Zamboanga City.
The contraband cigarettes were discovered aboard two motorboats known as “Jungkong” that were confiscated in an operation off the coast of Zamboanga City, according to the BOC. According to BOC, a total of 137 master cases of cigarette smugglers worth an estimated $4,795,000 were seized.
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The body mark “M/V Mernalyn Z” is on one of the two boats, which is laden with 50 master cases of assorted contraband cigarettes. 87 master cases of the aforementioned cigarettes are on another boat with the body mark “M/ J AZ-ZHAHIR.”
Personnel from the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BOC-CIIS) and Enforcement and Security Service-Customs Police Division (ESS-CPD), as well as personnel from the Philippine National Police 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (PNP ZCMFC), were patrolling when the two boats were spotted, according to the BOC.
For violating Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the two motorboats, as well as the cigarette smugglers, will be seized and forfeited (CMTA). Meanwhile, the BOC and the Philippine Coast Guard recently intercepted over P50 million worth of contraband red onions, frozen items, and cosmetic products.
Up to 2,000 sacks of imported red onions, cartons of frozen seafood, and health and cosmetic products were detected during the initial check in a warehouse held by Elite Globus Primeholdings Corp. in Meycauayan, Bulacan.
Frozen seafood was discovered hidden in multiple storage boxes inside small cold storages, while red onions were discovered hidden inside concrete fish tanks and wrapped with styrofoams. Aside from food, warehouse workers identified cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and supplements that did not have the requisite FDA authorization.
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