The Bureau of Customs (BOC), Sub-Port of General Santos, successfully seized 374 reams of various cigarettes with an estimated value of Php 187,000.00 on July 29, 2023, at Purok 6, Bgy. Bangsi, Poblacion, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.

The operation was carried out in close coordination with the Bureau’s Customs Intelligence Investigation Service (CIIS) and Enforcement Security Service (ESS), in collaboration with Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Sultan Kudarat Provincial Field Unit, Columbio Municipal Police Station, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Intelligence Unit (SK-PIU) and Sultan Kudarat Provincial Highway Patrol Team – Highway Patrol Group (SK PHPT-HPG). The items were confiscated as part of the entrapment operation conducted under CIDG’s Flagship Project, “Oplan Mega Shopper,” which aims to combat smuggling, manufacturing, distribution, and trading of counterfeit products.

Following the seizure, a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) has been recommended for the confiscated items. Meanwhile, appropriate criminal charges against identified responsible persons are being prepared.

The Port of Davao and its Sub-Ports are committed in intensifying their campaign against the illegal importation of goods into the country. This effort is being carried out in collaboration with partner regulatory and enforcement agencies, and it is in line with Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio’s priority programs. These programs aim to elevate the BOC’s revenue collection, border protection, and trade facilitation to international standards.#