The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recovered smuggled cigarettes valued at over ₱9.861 million hidden in what appeared to be a courier truck on its way to Davao City.
Blue crates and personal effects concealed 251 master cases, each with 50 reams of cigarettes, all worth around ₱9,861,790.
The contraband was uncovered during a checkpoint operation at one main road headed to Davao City. Under Task Force Davao, Task Force Toril oversaw the operation and coordinated immediately with the BOC - Port of Davao Enforcement and Security Service.
In line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive, Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reiterated BOC’s commitment to “intensify anti-smuggling efforts, promote regional economic stability, and safeguard government revenues from illicit trade.”
Moreover, in support of Marcos’s espousal of public health and national security, the agency continually works to prevent the entry of unauthorized goods which may put Filipinos at risk.
The bust conforms with the BOC’s five-point priority program to “curb smuggling in all forms.”