By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno ordered the condemnation of PHP156.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes recently confiscated at the Port of Davao.
The illegal items discovered during separate operations were 182,821 reams of assorted cigarette brands, with a total estimated value of PHP156,436,273 without import permit.
The items were seized by Port of Davao’s Enforcement and Security Service and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, in coordination with the Philippine National Police.
The first operation yielded 124,150 reams valued at PHP106.23 million and involved identified respondents, while the second operation resulted in the seizure of 58,671 reams valued at PHP50.20 million.
The BOC chief said the illegal importation would be condemned through shredding and drenching for it to be rendered useless.
“There are two processes of condemnation, one by drenching and through shredding. But, I instructed to use both processes to make sure that these cigarettes will not longer be used,” Nepomuceno added.
The inspection stemmed from operations carried out on Jan. 6, 2026, and April 3, 2026, targeting warehouses identified through verified intelligence reports.
The seized goods are subject to violations under Republic Act 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act) and Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), particularly provisions on unlawful importation and lack of proper documentation.
Meanwhile, three parcels containing a total of 4,395 grams of suspected illegal drugs were intercepted in an interdiction operation at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.
The first parcel, which originated from Belgium and was declared as “pet food,” was found to contain 1,978 pieces of suspected Ecstasy tablets with an estimated street value of PHP3,362,600.
The second parcel, shipped from Malaysia and declared as “outdoor wall lamps,” was found to contain 2,418 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP16,442,400.
The third parcel, originating from the United Kingdom and declared as “Game,” contained 497 pieces of suspected Ecstasy tablets with an estimated street value of PHP844,900.
The seized evidence has been turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. (PNA)
