The Bureau of Customs – Port of Cagayan de Oro (BOC-CDO) has issued a warrant of seizure and detention for 768 reams of undocumented cigarettes intercepted in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and village officials of Brgy. Baning in Sapad, Lanao del Norte, on June 4, 2024.

Upon thorough examination by Customs examiners, the seized cigarettes were determined to have been manufactured outside the Philippines and without the mandatory Bureau of Internal Revenue stamp as required by law.

The estimated value of the 768 reams of cigarettes is P614,640.00 based on current market prices. Additionally, the Revo vehicle used in the smuggling operation was also seized.

District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the subject goods and vehicle for violation of Section 1113 (l)(1) and Section 1401 of Republic Act No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio commended the Port of Cagayan de Oro, under the leadership of Collector Lumontad, for thwarting this attempt to infiltrate the market, which could potentially harm citizens.

District Collector Lumontad reaffirms the Port of Cagayan de Oro’s dedication in strengthening coordination with other law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction. This initiative aims to fulfill BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s directive to safeguard all borders against illicit goods.