The Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the BOC – Port of Davao, in coordination with local authorities, successfully intercepted 251 master cases of smuggled cigarettes valued at PhP9.861 million.

The contraband was concealed inside a fake courier truck, discovered during a checkpoint operation led by Task Force Toril under Task Force Davao along a major road leading to Davao City. Task Force Toril promptly coordinated with the BOC-Port of Davao’s Enforcement and Security Service, which responded accordingly.

The truck was found carrying 251 master cases, each containing 50 reams of cigarettes, with a total estimated value of PhP9,861,790.00. The smuggled goods were hidden among blue crates and personal effects in an attempt to avoid detection.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed the BOC’s commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to intensify anti-smuggling efforts, promote regional economic stability, and safeguard government revenues from illicit trade. The BOC supports the President’s advocacy for public health and national security by preventing the entry of illegal goods that could endanger the Filipino people.

The successful seizure is aligned with the BOC’s five-point priority program to “curb smuggling in all forms” and was made possible with the strong support of District Collector Maita S. Acevedo of the BOC – Port of Davao.