The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted illicit cigarettes worth P980 million concealed inside twenty-five 20-foot container vans during an enforcement operation conducted on Thursday, 2 July, at a private wharf facility in Mandaue City, Cebu.

On 2 July, the BOC issued a letter of authority and mission order pursuant to Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), directing Customs personnel to inspect twenty-five identified 20-foot container vans located at the said facility in Mandaue City.

During the operation, all twenty-five container vans were found to contain illicit cigarettes with an approximate value of P980 million.

Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized that the BOC remains resolute in its campaign against the illicit tobacco trade and all forms of smuggling.

Further investigation is likewise being conducted to identify the persons responsible, establish the origin of the shipments, and determine the full extent of the violations committed under existing customs and related laws.