Biggest haul in years: Customs seizes P1B worth of smuggled cigarettes in Sulu

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized P1.4-billion worth of smuggled cigarettes in two warehouses in Indanan, Sulu, considered as the biggest haul of illicit tobacco products in recent years.

Seized during the BOC’s operations were 19,000 boxes of B&E Ice menthol, Souvenir menthol, New Far menthol, Cannon menthol, Broad Peak Black menthol, and Bravo.

Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said the estimated value of the contraband tobacco products included the assessment for duties and penalties.

Prior to the BOC’s recent operation, the largest contraband cigarette haul seized by the bureau was worth P95 million. The products were confiscated in 2019 in Siasi, Sulu.

Uy said BOC teams conducted the raid on the two Indanan warehouses after receiving a tip about the smuggled tobacco products.

Persons involved in smuggling cigarettes would face charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Uy warned smugglers that the BOC is keeping tabs on the illegal entry of tobacco products at ports.

“We will stop at nothing and will be present in every corner of the Philippines to make sure there won’t be space for these illegal activities,” he said.