The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Collection District X has taken custody of 28,202 reams of undocumented cigarettes intercepted by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Armor Division, Philippine Army, at a checkpoint in Brgy. Magoong, Linamon, Lanao del Norte, on May 14, 2014.

Upon detailed examination by the assigned Customs examiners, the apprehended cigarettes were found to be manufactured outside the Philippines and lacked the required Import Commodity Clearance from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA), thus violating Section 117, Section 1113 (l)(1), and Section 1401 of Republic Act No. 10863 otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016, as well as Republic Act No. 10643 also known as the Act to Effectively Instill Health Consciousness Through Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products.

The 564 boxes, or 28,202 reams of cigarettes, were estimated to be worth PhP 22,561,600.00 based on current market value. Also seized during the operation were 230 boxes of diapers and the Isuzu Wing Van used to conceal and transport the subject smuggled cigarettes.

District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the subject goods and vehicle upon the recommendation of Collector Nasrudin D. Guro of the Sub-Port of Iligan, in accordance with R.A. 10863 in relation to R.A. 10643 and other relevant Customs rules and regulations.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio lauded the swift action of the Port of CDO under the leadership of District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad and reaffirmed the BOC’s firm stance on protecting the country’s borders. He stated, “The dedication of the Port of CDO’s operatives in securing our borders from illicit cigarettes is truly commendable. Aligned with the President’s directive to the BOC, we will continue to intensify crackdowns on the illicit tobacco trade.”