The Bureau of Customs-Port of Cagayan de Oro (BOC-CDO), under the leadership of District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad, issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention on July 25, 2024, against 4,300 reams of undocumented cigarettes apprehended in Kapatagan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

The confiscated cigarettes in Kapatagan were turned over on July 8, 2024 to the BOC Sub-Port of Iligan. While those confiscated in Sultan Naga Dimaporo were handed over on July 11, 2024.

The cigarettes and the vehicle used to transport the same were seized for violation of Sections 1113 (f) and 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Rules and Regulations.

The 4,300 reams of cigarettes were estimated to be worth PhP3.584 Million based on current market value.

Since May, 2024, the BOC-CDO, together with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army, have apprehended an estimated amount of PhP29.359 Million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Northern Mindanao and nearby provinces.

“The initiative by the Port of CDO to improve coordination with various law enforcement agencies is essential in fulfilling our mission to fortify border security against illicit trade, including the trafficking of illegally imported tobacco products”, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio remarked.