The Bureau of Customs has reported the seizure of 2,727 master cases of smuggled Cannon and Fort cigarettes with an estimated value of P95 million.
The operation stemmed from a confidential information received by authorities that more or less 3,000 alleged smuggled cigarettes were onboard ML Three Brothers anchored in the vicinity of the waters off Siasi, Sulu.
According to District Collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Z. Barte Jr., this is the biggest haul in the history of the Port of Zamboanga. “The close coordination of law-enforcement agencies is the key in winning the battle against smuggling, particularly in Zambasulta area,” Barte said.
Under the Customs Administrative Order 3-2019, BOC officials are vested with the police powers to go after smugglers and restricted products, including illicit cigarettes.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), meanwhile, raided a warehouse in Binondo, Manila, where 145 master cases with 1.4 million Chinese-branded tobacco products were found.
The brands Changbaishan, Double Happiness, Huanghelou, Goldenleaf, Liqun, Septwolves, Taishan, and YunYan have been seized by the BIR.
Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa earlier said that the BIR’s “strike team” is committed in strengthening the government’s fight against illicit tobacco trading.
“BIR’s strike team would continue to actively coordinate with other government agencies ‘to curtail further the proliferation of the illicit cigarette trade,’” Guballa said.