In furtherance of its intensified enforcement efforts, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Zamboanga, intercepted an estimated ₱31.92 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, environmentally restricted marine materials, and four vehicles used in the attempted transport of illicit goods during four separate operations conducted at a routine checkpoint in the Port Area throughout July.

The operations were jointly carried out by the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), and personnel from the Office of the District Collector. These coordinated efforts resulted in the confiscation of 370 master cases of smuggled cigarettes and 250 sacks of white sand containing broken corals after the drivers failed to present import documents and other required permits.

Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSDs) were issued for all four incidents in violation of the “Tobacco Exportation and Importation Rules and Regulations” implemented by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA), pursuant to Executive Order No. 245 and Section 117 of Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), in relation to Section 1113, paragraphs (a) and (f). The seizure of marine materials also violated Section 110 of RA 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and Batas Pambansa Blg. 265.

The Port of Zamboanga has placed the smuggled items and the vehicles used to convey them under forfeiture proceedings, as it initiates a case build-up to identify and charge those behind these unlawful acts.

As the BOC ramps up border enforcement, Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno stressed, “Heightened vigilance is key to stopping smuggled cigarettes that hurt revenue and marine materials that endanger ecosystems. Guided by the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we continuously fortify our enforcement measures to safeguard trade integrity and environmental security.”