Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized one container of smuggled cigarettes estimated to worth eight million pesos in Mindanao Container Terminal, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental during a physical examination on Jan. 6, 2022.

The seizure was a result of the information exchange relayed by the Intelligence Group on Dec. 26, 2021 from a trusted source which was acted upon by the Cagayan De Oro (CDO) Field Station.

Atty. Elvira Cruz, District Collector of CDO immediately issued a Pre-lodgment Control Order against the subject shipment for possible violation of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The consignee failed to lodge goods declaration but based on its inward manifest, the shipment originated from China and was consigned to a certain Ceri Rey Viola declared to be used furniture.

During the physical examination conducted by a customs examiner witnessed by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. and Cargo representatives together with K-9 unit of PDEA 10 the shipment was found out to contain cigarettes branded as “Titan”. The said consignee will face violation of the CMTA.

BOC assures the public it will continue to protect the country’s borders from illegal shipments including illicit cigarettes which disrupts the tobacco industry and defrauds government of rightful revenues.