Through intensified intelligence sharing and cooperation, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has foiled a smuggling attempt of cigarettes from China in Mindanao Container Terminal, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Jan. 20, 2022.

The seizure stemmed from the information relayed by the Intelligence Group on Jan. 10, 2022, alerting the Port of Cagayan De Oro (CDO) Field Station for possible smuggling attempts arriving in Mindanao Container Terminal.

Atty. Elvira Cruz, District Collector of the Port, immediately issued a Pre-lodgement Control Order thru the request of Oliver Valiente, Chief of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Field Station against the subject shipment for possible violation of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Based on its inward manifest the shipment arrived on Jan. 14, 2022 from China consigned to UHE Trading and was declared as “used furniture”.

During the physical examination conducted by the customs examiner witnessed by Valiente, SP/Capt. Abdila Maulana Jr., District Commander, ESS-CDO, Chamber of Customs Brokers Representatives and K-9 unit of PDEA-10, the shipment revealed to contain cigarettes branded as “YS” with an estimated value of 8,000,000.00 pesos.

Last Jan. 6, 2022, BOC also apprehended smuggled cigarettes in the same port from China.

Cruz hopes this will send a strong message to smugglers that the agency is serious in strengthening its border protection and will not tolerate unscrupulous individuals that will attempt to defraud the government of rightful revenues.