THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) inspected the 25 seized containers loaded with illicit cigarettes, valued at approximately P980 million, at Gothong Wharf in Mandaue City, Cebu on Saturday.
In a news release, the BOC said the shipment was intercepted following intelligence information provided by the NBI.
The containers are part of a total of 59 containers of illicit cigarettes, with an estimated aggregate value of over P3 billion.
The remaining containers are secured in other locations under government custody.
Both agencies declared an all-out war against smuggling and illicit trade, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government campaign against smuggling and economic sabotage.
“Hindi kami maaareglo (We won’t entertain negotiations) when it comes to the filing of cases against people and businesses involved in smuggling and illicit trade,” BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said during the press conference.
“Hindi titigil ang BOC sa pagkumpiska ng mga iligal na kargamento. Hahabulin natin ang buong supply chain at sisiguruhing mapanagot ang lahat ng sangkot sa ilalim ng buong puwersa ng batas (The BOC won’t stop going after illegal shipments. We will run after the entire supply chain and make sure all those responsible will be made accountable under the law).”
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said they will soon sign a memorandum of agreement with the BOC and other partner law enforcement agencies to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated case build-up.
