THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized illegally imported cigarettes worth P18.25 million during a joint maritime patrol in the vicinity of Barangay Camudmud, Island Garden City of Samal, the agency said in a statement yesterday.
The BOC said that aboard the jungkung, a motorized wooden boat, were 23,400 reams of illicit cigarettes and 10 crew members, who were later turned over to the Sasa Police Station for booking and filing of appropriate charges.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the boat, and the cargo on board which will be disposed of pursuant to prevailing customs laws, rules and regulations.
“This operation reflects our unwavering commitment in combating illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens,” customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt the illegal tobacco trade and protect our communities from its harmful effects,” Rubio added.
Earlier, the BOC reported that its Port of Zamboanga also confiscated P7.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes along the waters of Brgy. Manalipa, Zamboanga City on July 8.
A joint maritime patrol operation was conducted which led the team to intercept a jungkong that was loaded with 203 master cases and 66 reams of assorted cigarettes of various brands: Modern, New Far, Fort, Cannon and San Marino.
The six crew members failed to present documents that prove the regularity of prior importation of the subject cigarettes, and subsequent transport to Zamboanga City.
The apprehended vessel and its contents are under the custody of the BOC for proper disposition in violation of Section 1113 (a) of R.A. 10863 otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016 in relation to Section 117 and Tobacco Exportation and Importation Rules and Regulations.
