MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday seized some 19,000 cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of P1.425 billion during inspection of a warehouse in Indanan, Sulu.
Deputy Commissioner for intelligence Juvymax Uy led the inspection at a warehouse in
Sitio Buotan, Kajatian along with Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services Director Verne Enciso and other law enforcers from the Navy and the PNP.
Warehouse representative Nomil Karani acknowledged the letter of authority of the BOC, allowing the personnel to conduct the inspection.
Around 19,000 master cases of cigarettes such as B&E Ice menthol, New Far menthol, Souvenir menthol, Cannon menthol and Broadpeak Black menthol amounting to P1.425 billion were found in the warehouse.
“The team immediately hauled the said cases of cigarettes and were transferred to the Port of Zamboanga via Philippine Navy vessel,” the BOC said in a statement.
Customs Examiners of Port of Zamboanga started the inventory of the seized cigarettes in the presence of agents from the BOC’s intelligence group and warehouse representatives.