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The Bureau of Customs-Port of Davao carried out the condemnation and destruction of seized cigarettes
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Confiscated items totaled 6,400 master cases valued at about P235 million
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Seizures were made in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Davao Region
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Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stressed strict disposal to prevent re-entry into the market
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Activity was conducted with multi-agency oversight to ensure transparency
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Davao destroyed packs of seized and forfeited cigarettes valued at about P235 million as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illicit trade.
The condemnation activity ensured the proper and lawful disposal of illegal goods and prevented their re-entry into the domestic market, BOC-Davao said in a news release.
The seized items – confiscated during operations conducted mainly in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Davao Region – totaled 6,400 master cases.
Most of the confiscated products consisted of Bosqu, Cannon Menthol, and Gajah Baru cigarette brands, the BOC said.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno underscored the importance of strict and transparent disposal procedures, stressing the Bureau’s firm stance against the reuse and resale of forfeited goods.
“We make sure that once these illegal products are seized, they are completely destroyed and never find their way back into the market. This is our commitment to lawful trade, fair competition, and public interest,” Nepomuceno said.
READ: BOC reminds officers to use cameras during condemnation of goods
With assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Greenleaf 88 Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal, the port’s accredited service contractor, the seized cigarettes were rendered unusable through dampening and subsequently crushed using a road roller to ensure complete condemnation.
Under District collector Maita Acevedo’s leadership, the BOC-Port of Davao said that it persists in executing lawful and transparent disposal of forfeited goods as part of its continuous enforcement and regulatory duties.
The activity was carried out with the support of the local government of Panabo City and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Panabo City, and was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Agriculture-Enforcement Inspectorate, Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy-Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation, and the Commission on Audit to ensure transparency and compliance with existing rules and regulations.
READ: BOC shuts down cigarette factory in Pampanga
