The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Cebu, intercepted illicit cigarettes concealed inside twenty-five (25) 20-foot container vans during an enforcement operation conducted on 02 July 2026 at a private wharf facility in Mandaue City, Cebu. The seized shipments have an estimated value of ₱980 million, marking another significant accomplishment in the BOC’s intensified campaign against the illegal tobacco trade.
On 02 July 2026, the BOC issued a Letter of Authority (LOA) and Mission Order pursuant to Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), directing Customs personnel to inspect twenty-five (25) identified 20-foot container vans located at the said facility in Mandaue City. The implementation of the LOA was carried out by the BOC in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
During the operation, all twenty-five (25) container vans were found to contain illicit cigarettes with an approximate value of ₱980 million.
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., this operation forms part of the BOC’s continuing series of successful interceptions of smuggled and illicit cigarettes. It reflects the agency’s sustained efforts to dismantle smuggling networks, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard government revenues.
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized that the BOC remains resolute in its campaign against the illicit tobacco trade and all forms of smuggling.
“Malinaw and mensahe ng operasyon na ‘to, hindi titigil and BOC sa kampanya laban sa illicit tobacco trade at lahat ng uri ng smuggling. Ipagpapatuloy ng ahensya ang pagpapalakas ng intelligence-driven enforcement operations, katuwang ang ating partner agencies, upang tuluyang mabuwag ang mga smuggling networks, maprotektahan ang mga legitimate businesses, at mabantayan ang pondo ng bayan,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
Further investigation is likewise being conducted to identify the persons responsible, establish the origin of the shipments, and determine the full extent of the violations committed under existing customs and related laws.
The Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu, under the leadership of District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad, remains steadfast in its mandate to curb all forms of smuggling and will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven enforcement operations in coordination with partner law enforcement agencies to protect government interests and ensure compliance with customs laws.
