The Bureau of Customs – Port of Cebu, through the Subport of Dumaguete, seized last December 21 a total of 599 reams of cigarettes along with its delivery truck after their turnover from the Coast Guard District Negros Oriental.

The smuggled cigarettes were concealed inside an Isuzu Forward truck carrying fresh fish.

A report from the Coast Guard said the owner failed to show documents to support the transport of the cigarettes.

District Collector lawyer Elvira Cruz immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the goods based on Section 1113 (A), (F), (K), and (L-1 and 5) about Section 118 (F) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Last month, the Port also seized 700 reams of cigarettes and a delivery van after being intercepted by the Coast Guard Central Visayas in Camotes.

Under the guidance of Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon L. Ruiz and as instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Port of Cebu continues to strengthen its collaboration with other maritime enforcement units to secure the country’s borders against smuggling attempts.#