Joint BOC-PNP effort yields ₱4.1 million illicit cigarettes

STRONG inter-agency cooperation between the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to yield result with the seizure of illicit cigarettes worth more than ₱4.1 million last October 21 during an operation in Ilog municipality, Negros Occidental.

In a belated statement, the BOC said the contraband was being transported in a refrigerated van when flagged down.

The unnamed van’s driver and his companion, both residents of Barangay Cogon, Dipolog City, are now under PNP custody as investigation continues, the BOC added.

The operation began after the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) received an intelligence report from the PNP regarding a white refrigerated van allegedly carrying 3,754 reams of smuggled cigarettes.

Acting on the information, the CIIS requested a Mission Order (MO) from District Collector Noli P. Santua, Jr. and coordinated with the PNP Regional Intelligence Division – Negros Island Region (PNP-RIDNIR) for the conduct of a joint operation.

The statement added that various imported cigarette brands without documentary tax stamps were recovered with their value initially placed at more than ₱4.1 million.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno issued a brief statement lauding the success of the operation.

“We commend the BOC-Port of Iloilo, led by District Collector Noli P. Santua, Jr., as well as the PNP and local officials, for the successful operation.

“This demonstrates what we can accomplish when information is shared promptly and government agencies work together.

“Through such efforts, we can further prevent smuggling, protect government revenues, and ensure fair trade,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.