‘Parked’ container vans at Surigao port yield ₱3.3 billion cigarettes

On May 12, 2026

Customs officers at the Port of Surigao inspecting some of the smuggled cigarettes loaded into 54 container vans. The inspection was caried out on the order of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno last May 8. The BOC later announced that ₱3.3 billion worth of cigarettes and raw tobacco were found (photo: BOC-PIAD).

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced it has discovered illicit cigarettes and raw tobacco loaded in 54 container vans ‘parked’ inside the Port of Surigao during an inspection authorized by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.

Acting district collector Atty. Vicente Andrew Espina said the actual inspection was carried out based on the ‘LOA’ (Letter of Authority) approved by Commissioner Nepomuceno, with assistance provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The initial inspection showed 52 containers were loaded with boxes of assorted cigarette brands, including Red and Menthol Modern, Red and Menthol Carnival, Nise Baisha, Commando, Gold H&P, Delta, GJB-FH, BR Centro, Centro, Bossku, and TS Cigarettes.

Meanwhile, two containers were found to contain boxes of raw tobacco materials, bringing the total number of inspected container vans to 54, with an estimated value of ₱3.3 billion.

A close shot of some of the illicit cigarettes the BOC uncovered at the Port of Surigao (photo: BOC-PIAD).

Authorities claimed there were “indications” that the shipments were of foreign origin based on the observed container numbers.

During the inspection, company representatives informed authorities that the concerned shipping lines and consignees had allegedly been notified. However, they were unable to present proof of payment of duties and taxes, import permits, or shipping documents at the time of verification.

The BOC, however, did not disclosed the identity of those involved in the suspected smuggling attempt.

All the 54 inspected container vans were padlocked pending further investigation while a 24-hours security plan has been imposed by the local Customs Police force with assistance from the PNP.

Further inventory, examination, and verification proceedings are currently underway to determine the exact quantity, valuation, and possible violations committed in relation to the shipments, the BOC said in a statement on May 12.