The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Central Visayas turned over smuggled imported cigarettes worth over Php 2 Million to the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu on August 3.

The smuggled cigarettes were concealed inside boxes of sardines and loaded on a wing van on board a ferry from Dapitan, Zamboanga. They were intercepted on August 1 by the PCG – District Central Visayas at Mainit Port in Oslob, Cebu. The items were not declared in the bill of lading and no documents were presented to support the legitimacy of the transport of the cigarettes.

District Collector Charlito Martin R. Mendoza immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment of 229 boxes of “United” cigarettes and 46 boxes of sardines. They shall be disposed of accordingly after the seizure and forfeiture proceedings.The Port of Cebu continues to strengthen its collaboration with other maritime enforcement units to secure the country’s borders against the entry and proliferation of illicit goods under the guidance of Acting Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz.