The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu recently seized 1,025 reams of smuggled cigarettes valued at Php 1.028 million onboard a ferry docked at the Malacañang sa Sugbo, Pier 1 in Cebu City.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the cargo manifest indicated that the boxes onboard the vessel contained eggplant. Upon inspection, authorities discovered cigarettes with the brand Vess and Warrior inside five balikbayan boxes.

District Collector Atty. Elvira Cruz immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the goods based on Sections 1113 (f) and (l-1 & 5) in relation to Section 118 (f) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The BOC continues to strengthen its collaboration with other maritime enforcement units to secure national borders against the entry of contraband.#