A joint task force of government agencies in Zamboanga has confiscated 2,125 reams of smuggled cigarettes worth P1.2 million found on board three passenger vessels from Jolo, Sulu.
Operatives from the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Enforcement and Security Service and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, assisted by the Navy Counter Intelligence Group and Philippine Coast Guard, found the smuggled cigarettes on board MV Mama Mia, MV Mary Joy 1, and MV Asian Stars on July 10.
The seized cigarettes have been turned over to BOC and will be issued a warrant of seizure and detention for violation of Executive Order No. 245; the Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Exportation and Importation of Leaf Tobacco and Tobacco Products; and Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The seized cigarettes will now be set for immediate destruction as part of the pre-condemnation procedure since the Port of Zamboanga lacks manpower and available storage area.
Zamboanga district collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Z. Barte expressed concern over the prevalent entry of smuggled cigarettes into the area. Barte emphasized that BOC, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to fight illicit cigarette trade as part of the marching orders of Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero.
It may be recalled that from April to June this year, over P60 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were confiscated by BOC officers and operatives in Zamboanga.
