Trader faces years in jail for cigarette smuggling—BOC

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said a Regional Trial Court in Alabel, Sarangani, has convicted an individual for illegally transporting smuggled cigarettes worth ₱6.76 million.

In a decision dated 21 October 2026, the individual was found guilty of violating Section 1401(D) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The court sentenced the accused to imprisonment ranging from three years and one day to four years.

The case stemmed from a joint checkpoint operation conducted by the Philippine National Police on 23 January 2025, in Barangay Katubao, Kiamba, Sarangani.

Authorities seized 7,350 reams of New Berlin cigarettes and 1,250 reams of King Perfect cigarettes, with a combined estimated value of ₱6,757,880.

The seized cigarettes were turned over to the Enforcement and Security Service of the BOC Sub-Port of General Santos on 24 January 2025.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the cigarettes in favor of the government and directed the BOC Sub-Port of General Santos to dispose of the seized goods in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

“Smuggling carries heavy penalties, and we can see that in this decision. Merely seizing the smuggled products is not enough. It is also necessary to pursue cases in court to hold those involved accountable,” BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

“We will continue to cooperate with other agencies to protect public funds, compliant businesses, and the public,” he added.

The BOC said it continues to strengthen intelligence gathering, law enforcement, and case filing and monitoring under Nepomuceno’s leadership to curb the illegal tobacco trade and protect government revenue.