By Ferdinand Patinio

SEIZED. Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno (3rd from left) during the inspection of the thwarted PHP39.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and dried tobacco products at the Manila port on Thursday (Feb. 12, 2026). Nepomuceno said the seized items lacked the required Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps, graphic health warnings, and proper markings. (Photo from BOC)

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday announced the interception of PHP39.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and dried tobacco products bound for Manila.

Acting on reliable intelligence, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) coordinated with port authorities and shipping lines to tag, monitor, and inspect six container vans from Zamboanga and Bacolod.

The BOC said the shipment from Zamboanga arrived on Feb. 27 last year while the shipment from Bacolod arrived on Aug. 29 last year.

At a press briefing, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the inspection uncovered various cigarette brands and hundreds of sacks of dried tobacco concealed in container vans falsely declared as dried fish and general merchandise.

The shipments underwent a 100 percent physical examination at the Sub-Port of North Harbor in the presence of representatives of concerned government agencies and port authorities.

Nepomuceno said the seized items lacked the required Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps, graphic health warnings, and proper markings.

The BOC said the operation was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance enforcement against illicit trade to prevent revenue losses and ensure compliance with customs and tax laws. (PNA)