Subic Bay Freeport – The Bureau of Customs in the Port of Subic intercepted more than P100 million of smuggled cigarettes.
According to BoC, the container van arrived at the Port of Subic last August 22 from China and Hong Kong which was declared as frozen cinnamon bread, frozen pineapple pocket bread, snake and ladder board games, dominos board games and rubber strips.
However, it was found out that the shipment contains various cigarette brands.
According to District Collector Maritess Martin, the latest apprehension is a result of the continuous intelligence and investigative work of the Port.
“Also, adopting and catching up to the modus operandi of unscrupulous stakeholders played a big role in this apprehension for this is the first time that the BOC has seized cigarettes concealed in a refrigerated container van,” Martin explained.
The Port will be issuing Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the subject shipment and recommend to the Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the alleged smugglers.
“This serves as a warning and reminder to all that BOC will not let up in its effort to protect the border,” said Martin.
Not only is the Port of Subic performing its mandate to protect the border but also undertaking its duty to collect revenues as proven by its collection from August 1 to 27, 2020 amounting to P2,594,586,530 which already exceeded by P453.4 million or 22.12% positive against its assigned target of P2,051,000,000 for the month of August.
Proceeds generated from the auction sale and the remaining three working days left to collect will surely give the Port an additional collection and contribution for the Bureau.