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The Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu seized an estimated P980 million worth of illicit cigarettes concealed inside 25 twenty-foot container vans at a private wharf facility in Mandaue City on July 2
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The operation was conducted under a Letter of Authority and Mission Order issued pursuant to Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
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The BOC was assisted by the National Bureau of Investigation and the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
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Further investigation is underway to identify the persons responsible and establish the origin of the shipments
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Cebu seized an estimated P980 million worth of illicit cigarettes concealed inside 25 twenty-foot container vans at a private wharf facility in Mandaue City on July 2, 2026, considered one of the largest tobacco smuggling interceptions recorded at the port, BOC said in a statement.
The BOC issued a letter of authority and mission order on July 2 under Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, directing customs personnel to inspect the identified container vans at the facility.
All 25 vans were found to contain illicit cigarettes upon inspection. The operation was conducted in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
READ: BOC, partner agencies net P860M in illicit cigarettes in Cebu
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the agency would not let up on its campaign against the illicit tobacco trade.
“This operation sends a clear message: the Bureau of Customs will not relent in its campaign against the illicit tobacco trade and all forms of smuggling. The agency will continue to strengthen intelligence‑driven enforcement operations, in partnership with allied agencies, to dismantle smuggling networks, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard public funds,” Nepomuceno said.
READ: BOC chief, on his 2nd year, declares ‘all-out war’ vs smugglers
Further investigation is underway to identify the responsible parties, establish the origin of the shipments, and determine the full extent of violations under existing customs and related laws.
The Port of Cebu, under district collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad, said it would continue to strengthen intelligence-driven enforcement operations in coordination with partner law enforcement agencies.
