The Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga (BOC-POZ) confiscated P8.6M worth of cigarettes during multiple anti-smuggling operations from July 25 to August 11.

The BOC-POZ, the Philippine National Police 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company, Philippine Coast Guard Station Zamboanga, Philippine Navy, and Regional Special Operations Unit-9 seized 276 master cases and 327 reams of smuggled cigarettes in five separate joint operations in Zamboanga City.

Operating units conducted two apprehensions during seaborne patrols and three at customs checkpoints. Agents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency also inspected the smuggled goods for the possible presence of illegal drugs.

Port District Collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte Jr. assured that the BOC-POZ was committed to eliminating smuggling in the country as part of the priority programs of BOC Commissioner Ruiz.

Barte Jr. vowed to improve strategies to prevent the entry of illegal goods through strengthened inter-agency coordination, support from the public, and guidance from the Commissioner,

The BOC took custody of the vessels, vehicles, and master cases of cigarettes for proper disposition in violation of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016 and the Tobacco Exportation and Importation Rules and Regulations.