A joint operation led by the Bureau of Customs (BoC)-Port of Cebu, together with the Philippine Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police and Bureau of Internal Revenue, resulted in the interception of 11 container vans loaded with illicit cigarettes worth an estimated P860 million on Thursday.

Initial investigation showed the shipments were being transported through domestic routes using a local shipping line for distribution. The operation was launched after intelligence information led authorities to intercept two 40-foot container vans carrying cigarettes in Mandaue City in the early hours of Wednesday.

Information gathered from the drivers later led authorities to a container yard in Barangay Bacayan, Cebu City, where six more container vans loaded with cigarettes were discovered.

Further details provided by representatives of the trucking company revealed that three additional containers had yet to be unloaded from a private shipping facility in Mandaue City. Upon arrival at the facility, authorities confirmed that the containers were also carrying cigarettes, bringing the total number of intercepted vans to 11, with an estimated value of P860 million.

BoC commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the operating teams and emphasized the bureau’s intensified campaign against illicit tobacco trade.

“We will not stop cracking down on the illegal cigarette trade that weakens legitimate businesses and deprives the government of much-needed revenue. Through sustained intelligence operations and close coordination with our partner agencies, the Bureau of Customs will continue to go after those responsible and dismantle the networks that enable illicit trade,” Nepomuceno said.

The Port of Cebu is now coordinating with shipping line officials to trace the origin and movement of the seized containers. Authorities are also conducting a full inventory and final valuation to determine the exact worth of the confiscated goods.

The latest operation comes on the heels of the BoC’s recent seizure of 23 container vans carrying illicit cigarettes worth around P1.7 billion at a private wharf in Manila earlier this week. Combined with the Cebu operation, the total value of illicit cigarette shipments intercepted this week has reached approximately P2.5 billion, highlighting the government’s intensified anti-smuggling drive.

District collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad also praised the successful operation.

“This accomplishment highlights the importance of strong inter-agency coordination. The Port of Cebu remains committed to strengthening its enforcement efforts through close collaboration with our partner agencies,” Yap-Lumontad said.