The Bureau of Customs – Port of Surigao carried out the condemnation and destruction of 2,690 reams of assorted cigarettes on August 12, 2026, as part of its continuing campaign against the smuggling and proliferation of illicit tobacco products.
The cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱1,149,900.00, were previously turned over to the BOC for proper disposition. The subject goods were covered by Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSD). The corresponding dates of forfeiture were November 20, 2025 and March 9, 2026.
The subject cigarettes were found to be in violation of Section 1401, in relation to Section 1113(f) and (l-1 & 5) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The seized cigarettes underwent proper destruction procedures to ensure that they were permanently rendered unfit for resale or reintroduction into the market, and properly disposed in an accredited sanitary landfill. The activity was conducted in accordance with customs laws, rules, and regulations governing the disposition of seized and forfeited goods.
The destruction demonstrates the BOC’s commitment to keeping illicit tobacco products out of the legitimate market, safeguarding government revenues, and promoting fair competition among legitimate businesses.
The activity aligns with the directives of BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno to strengthen border protection, intensify enforcement against illicit trade, and ensure the proper and transparent disposition of seized and forfeited goods.
