A JOINT team composed of operatives from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Davao and the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) successfully intercepted illicit contraband in the waters of Davao Gulf.
Confiscated were 717 master cases that contain 35,850 reams of assorted brands of cigarettes, with a combined estimated value of P27,587,500.00.
A motorized banca was also seized during the operation.
Based on verified intelligence reports, BOC Davao, in collaboration with the Navy, mounted an operation to curtail the illegal trade of cigarettes within the region. As soon as the joint team moved to intercept and inspect the motorized banca, the inspection revealed a substantial quantity of contraband cigarettes, which is a grave violation of customs regulations and evasion of substantial taxes.
District Collector Maritess Martin issued a warrant of seizure and detention on November 7, 2023 on the goods and following an inventory, the seized contraband is now stored in a warehouse under the custody of the BOC, while the motorized banca is now in the custody of the Enforcement and Security Service – Davao.
This is another successful operation by BOC-Davao after it seized P54,988,000 million worth of illicit cigarettes around September of this year.
Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio lauded the men and women of the Port of Davao – Collection District XII under Martin, and the Navy for their unwavering and steadfast commitment in protecting the country’s borders against illicit trade.