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The Bureau of Customs and the National Bureau of Investigation vowed to intensify their campaign against smuggling and illicit trade following the recent seizure of illicit cigarettes valued at more than P3 billion
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BOC chief Ariel Nepomuceno and NBI director Melvin Matibag inspected 25 containers containing illegal cigarettes worth about P980 million at Gothong Wharf in Mandaue City on July 11
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The 25 containers are part of a larger haul of 59 containers of illicit cigarettes intercepted through ongoing enforcement operations, with a combined value exceeding P3 billion
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Nepomuceno said the BOC will pursue not only contraband but also the individuals and businesses behind smuggling
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Matibag said a memorandum of agreement among the BOC, NBI, and other law enforcement agencies is nearing completion to strengthen intelligence-sharing and joint operations
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have vowed to intensify their joint campaign against smuggling and illicit trade following the recent seizure of illicit cigarettes valued at more than P3 billion, as authorities move to prosecute those behind the illegal shipments.
The commitment was made during a joint press conference and inspection on July 11 at Gothong Wharf in Mandaue City, where BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and NBI director Melvin Matibag led the inspection of 25 containers loaded with illicit cigarettes valued at about P980 million.
READ: BOC-Cebu seizes P980M illicit cigarettes at Mandaue City wharf
The activity was attended by NBI regional director Atty. Dominador Cimafranca, BOC-Port of Cebu district collector Atty. Zsae Carrie De Guzman, and officials from the BOC, NBI, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and other partner law enforcement agencies.
The 25 containers form part of 59 containers of illicit cigarettes intercepted in the Bureau’s continuing enforcement campaign, with an estimated aggregate value exceeding P3 billion.
READ: BOC, partner agencies net P860M in illicit cigarettes in Cebu
The remaining containers are being held in other government facilities while enforcement actions and legal proceedings continue.
Nepomuceno said the agency’s campaign will go beyond seizing illegal shipments by aggressively pursuing the individuals and businesses involved in smuggling operations.
“(We will never compromise) when it comes to the filing of cases against people and businesses involved in smuggling and illicit trade,” Nepomuceno said in a statement. “The Bureau of Customs will not stop confiscating illegal shipments. We will pursue the entire supply chain and ensure that everyone involved is held accountable under the full force of the law.”
READ: BOC chief, on his 2nd year, declares ‘all-out war’ vs smugglers
He described smuggling as a form of economic sabotage that deprives the government of revenues, harms legitimate businesses, and undermines economic stability, adding that the Bureau will continue to pursue those responsible.
Matibag reaffirmed the NBI’s commitment to working closely with the BOC to investigate and prosecute organized smuggling syndicates.
He also announced that a memorandum of agreement among the BOC, NBI, and other partner law enforcement agencies is close to completion, which will enhance intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated case building.
READ: BOC, PDEA ink MOA to strengthen anti-drug border enforcement
BOC said the inspection underscores the government’s continuing efforts to dismantle smuggling networks through intensified enforcement, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and swift legal action.
