BOC warns of severe consequences for smuggled cigarette resales

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio has warned that those involved in the attempted resale of P270 million worth of smuggled cigarettes will face severe consequences.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested two individuals, employees of a disposal company contracted by BOC to discard seized contraband cigarettes, for their alleged involvement in the scheme.

Commissioner Rubio instructed the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service to thoroughly investigate and cooperate fully with the NBI, emphasizing that anyone found involved will be held accountable.

The smuggled cigarettes were abandoned and referred for disposal by Hazchem North between 2021 and 2022; however, recent buy-bust operations suggest possible irregularities during shift changes of BOC personnel guarding the condemnation process.

Port of Subic Acting District Collector Marlon Fritz Broto confirmed that the condemnation of the containers occurred within the regulatory period and noted that investigations showed the NBI's buy-bust operation happened during a shift change.

Rubio stressed the importance of cooperation between the BOC and NBI in ensuring accountability and maintaining successful operations, stating, 'Heads will roll' if any personnel are found involved.