BOC seizes PHP83.7M worth of smuggled cigarettes in Bulacan

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized an estimated PHP83.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from a warehouse and six trucks in Bocaue, Bulacan on Thursday.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) agents confiscated 717 master cases of various cigarette brands including Modern, TS, Two Moon, Tattoo, Fort, H&P, Xplore, Carnival, Concord, RGD, Marvels, Chesterfields, and New Orleans.

BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio warned smugglers that they will be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law for attempting to smuggle illegal goods through Philippine borders.

The operation was supported by personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard-Task Force Aduana (PCG-TFA) and coordinated with the PNP-CIDG's Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit.

BOC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso stated that a full inventory will be conducted to determine the actual value of the seized items, with the warehouse sealed pending further investigation.

This operation underscores BOC’s commitment to protecting communities from illegal trade and securing the country’s borders.