The Bureau of Customs (BoC) reported yesterday that 251 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, valued at over P9 million, were intercepted by the BoC Port of Davao in coordination with local authorities.

According to the BoC, Task Force Toril, a unit under Task Force Davao, discovered the contraband during a checkpoint operation along a key road leading to Davao City.

The cigarettes were concealed inside a fake courier truck. Task Force Toril immediately alerted the BoC Port of Davao’s Enforcement and Security Service, which swiftly responded to the situation.

The truck was found carrying 251 master cases, each containing 50 reams of cigarettes, with an estimated total value of P9,861,790. To avoid detection, the contraband was hidden among personal belongings and blue containers.

BoC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify anti-smuggling efforts, support regional economic stability and protect public funds from illicit trade. By preventing the entry of illegal goods, the BoC upholds national security and safeguards public health.

Commissioner Rubio also credited the successful seizure to the strong leadership of BoC Port of Davao District Collector Maita S. Acevedo. He emphasized that the operation aligns with the BoC’s five-point priority program to “curb smuggling in all forms.”