BoC seizes 15,000 reams of imported cigarettes, 10 SUVs worth R13 M
ZAMBOANGA CITY − The Bureau of Customs (BoC) seized 10 units of utility vehicles and confiscated 15,447 reams of imported cigarettes which were about to be transported to the different public markets in this city with a combined estimated market value of R13,535,200.
Bureau of Customs (BoC) Zamboanga City District Collector Segundo Barte, Jr., said yesterday BoC has heightened its campaign against the entry of imported cigarettes this year as ordered by BoC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero. It seized 15,447 reams of imported cigarettes worth R10,385,200 during the first week of 2020
Barte said they also confiscated 10 units of utility vehicles with an estimated market value of R3,150,000.
“BoC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero has ordered me during our New Year’s call on the commissioner at the BoC central office Manila to heighten our drive in this city against the entry of imported cigarettes,” Barte said.
The order of BoC Commissioner Guerrero has resulted in the seizure of 15,447 reams of imported cigarettes and the freezing of 10 utility vehicles used to transport the illicit products to the different markets in this city.
Barte also strengthened the bureau’s coordination and relationship with all government agencies like the police and military in the campaign against the entry of imported cigarettes to the city.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now conducting a discreet investigation to uncover the financiers of imported cigarettes.
Barte also issued a stern warning to smugglers in this city to stop their illicit trade or face arrest.
Last year, the BoC seized about 341,950 reams or about 6,839 master cases of illicit tobacco products worth
R220 million and detained 13 vessels with a combined estimated market value of R94,150,000.
The record was the highest so far in the history of BoC in this city in its campaign against smuggling.
Barte said the drive against the entry of imported cigarettes, sugar, and other imported good to this city will be more serious as he threatened to jail smugglers financing the entry of illicit goods to the city.