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The Bureau of Customs-Port of Davao seized smuggled cigarettes and maritime assets worth P25 million
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BOC Davao conducted operations in Sultan Kudarat and Lake Sebu in collaboration with the Philippine Navy and local law enforcement groups
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In Sultan Kudarat, 14,000 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes, valued at P7 million, were intercepted, including a motorized banca valued at P700,000
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In Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, authorities seized 215 reams of various smuggled cigarettes valued at P107,000
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Davao seized smuggled cigarettes and maritime assets worth P25 million during two joint operations with the Philippine Navy and local law enforcement groups.
In Sultan Kudarat, 14,000 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes, valued at P7 million, were intercepted, along with a motorized banca marked as “MB Al-Amanah,” valued at P700,000, BOC said in a statement.
In Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, authorities seized 215 reams of various smuggled cigarettes worth P107,000.
The anti-smuggling operations included members of Lake Sebu Municipal Police Station, 2nd Platoon, 1205th Mobile Company, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 and were conducted on January 6 and 10, 2024.
A prior operation in Sultan Kudarat on December 3, 2023, resulted in the confiscation of 22,700 reams of smuggled cigarettes valued at P17.025 million, along with a motorized banca marked as “M/B Queen Johara,” estimated at P500,000.
The arrested individuals have undergone inquest proceedings, and the seized items are securely stored pending forfeiture proceedings.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio in a statement commended the composite team, emphasizing that “The demonstrated efficacy of these operations is a testament to the vigilance and professionalism of our agency in creating safer and more secure maritime borders.”
BOC Davao, under the leadership of officer-in-charge Maita S. Acevedo and Rubio’s guidance, said they are “committed to combating smuggling, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the nation’s economy and security.”
