By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted 54 container vans containing approximately PHP3 billion worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a joint operation in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on Friday morning.
The BOC implemented a Letter of Authority that led to the discovery of 54 40-foot container vans, each containing an estimated 1,030 master cases of cigarettes.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said the scale of the seizure pointed to a sophisticated criminal network operating beyond local capacity.
“The sheer volume of this seizure — 54 container vans — strongly suggests the involvement of a well-funded and large-scale transnational criminal syndicate. We are not just looking at a localized distribution ring but a logistical network capable of moving massive quantities of contraband through our regional corridors,” he said in a news release on Saturday.
“Our intelligence units are currently back-tracing the shipment’s origin and its intended recipients to dismantle the entire structure of this syndicate.”
The operation was carried out by the 1st Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, in coordination with the BOC, at Gotong Private Port after the police received intelligence information about the suspicious shipment.
The contraband was discovered in Barangay Talisay was turned over to BOC-Caraga for proper documentation and disposition.
“Large-scale smuggling operations weaken lawful businesses and deprive the government of revenues intended for public services. The PNP will continue strengthening law enforcement efforts against organized illegal trade activities across the country,” Nartatez said.
He said there must be stricter control over private port facilities to the block illegal entry points of smuggled goods.
“Private port facilities must not be viewed as blind spots for illegal activity. I am issuing a clear directive to all regional and provincial directors: Intensify your coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Coast Guard to heighten the surveillance of private wharves and secondary ports,” he said.
“We are expanding our intelligence-driven approach to ensure that no pier, regardless of ownership, becomes a gateway for smuggled goods that bleed our economy.” (PNA)
