A joint operation of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Cebu, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), resulted in the interception of eleven (11) 40-foot container vans containing illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱860 million on 24 June 2026.
Initial investigation revealed that the shipments were being transported through domestic routes using a local shipping line for distribution. The operation stemmed from intelligence information that led authorities to intercept two (2) container vans loaded with cigarettes in Mandaue City during the early hours of June 24. Information obtained from the drivers subsequently led authorities to a container yard in Barangay Bacayan, Cebu City, where six (6) additional container vans loaded with cigarettes were discovered.
Further information provided by representatives of the trucking company indicated that three (3) more containers had yet to be discharged from a private shipping facility in Mandaue City. Upon arrival at the facility, the identified containers were confirmed to be loaded with cigarettes, bringing the total number of containers discovered to eleven (11) with an estimated value of ₱860 million.
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the operating teams and underscored the BOC’s intensified campaign against illicit tobacco products.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa pagsugpo sa iligal na kalakalan ng sigarilyo na nagpapahina sa lehitimong negosyo at nagkakait ng kita para sa pamahalaan. Through sustained intelligence operations and close coordination with our partner agencies, the Bureau of Customs will continue to pursue those responsible and dismantle the networks that enable illicit trade,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The Port of Cebu is currently coordinating with the officers of the shipping line to trace the origin and movement of the containers. A full inventory and final valuation are currently being undertaken to determine the exact value of the seized commodities.
This latest interception follows the BOC’s recent seizure of 23 containers of illicit cigarettes worth approximately ₱1.7 billion at a private wharf in Manila earlier this week. Combined with the Cebu operation, the total estimated value of illicit cigarette shipments intercepted this week has reached approximately ₱2.5 billion, underscoring the government’s intensified campaign against smuggling.
District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad lauded the successful joint operation. “This accomplishment demonstrates the value of strong inter-agency coordination. The Port of Cebu remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthen its enforcement efforts through close collaboration with other agencies,” said Collector Yap-Lumontad.
