• The Bureau of Customs-Port of Davao intercepted 251 master cases of smuggled cigarettes valued at P9.861 million
• The contraband was concealed inside a fake courier truck and hidden among blue crates and personal effects
• Task Force Toril, under Task Force Davao, conducted the checkpoint, leading to the discovery, then alerted BOC-Port of Davao’s Enforcement and Security Service
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Davao recently intercepted 251 master cases of smuggled cigarettes valued at P9.861 million.
The contraband was discovered during a checkpoint operation led by Task Force Toril under Task Force Davao along a major road leading to Davao City. The smuggled goods were hidden inside a fake courier truck, concealed among blue crates and personal effects to avoid detection.
Task Force Toril coordinated with the BOC-Port of Davao’s Enforcement and Security Service, which responded immediately. Upon inspection, authorities found the truck was carrying 251 master cases, each containing 50 reams of cigarettes.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify anti-smuggling efforts, protect government revenues, and safeguard public health.
He emphasized that the seizure aligns with the BOC’s five-point priority program, which prioritizes eliminating smuggling in all forms and was made possible through the support of District Collector Maita S. Acevedo of the BOC-Port of Davao.
Additionally, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service seized a record-breaking P85.167 billion worth of smuggled goods in 2024, Rubio reported on January 29.
Despite these successes, the commissioner emphasized the need for “continued vigilance” as criminal organizations adopt increasingly sophisticated smuggling tactics.
“Recognizing that the challenges we face are evolving, we must reinforce our anti-smuggling drive, bearing in mind that safeguarding our society is paramount,” Rubio said in a statement.
