In its continuing drive to tighten security controls against the entry of illicit tobacco products, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno spearheaded an inspection of a recently apprehended shipment containing ₱235 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates bound for the Bureau of Customs – Port of Batangas.
The inspection underscores the BOC’s firm commitment to dismantling and disrupting the unlawful trade of tobacco products, in line with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen border protection and intensify the campaign against smuggling and illicit trade that undermine legitimate commerce and government revenues.
From January 1 to March 6, 2026, the Bureau has recorded 127 successful cigarette-related interdictions, resulting in the seizure of approximately ₱2 billion worth of illicit cigarettes nationwide.
“The BOC’s intelligence-driven enforcement campaign against illicit tobacco trade will remain relentless.”
Nepomuceno emphasized that the BOC’s intelligence-driven enforcement campaign against illicit tobacco trade will remain relentless, stressing that those who attempt to exploit the country’s borders for illegal trade will face the full force of the law.
“This sustained momentum, achieved even before the close of the first quarter of the year, reflects the Bureau’s intensified commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders, protecting legitimate industries, and upholding the integrity of the nation’s trade gateways,” he added.
As part of its intensified enforcement efforts, the BOC continues to strengthen coordination with partner law enforcement agencies to pursue a more coordinated and whole-of-government approach in combating illicit tobacco trade, one of the persistent threats to public health and fair market competition.
Central to these efforts is strengthened intelligence gathering by the Bureau, which led to the discovery of 637 master cases of cigarettes during the operation.
The shipment bore the marking of the brand MAC Super Slim Ice Cool Blast Cigarettes, which were found to lack the required Graphic Health Warnings in violation of Republic Act No. 10643, and did not bear the required Bureau of Internal Revenue Internal Revenue Stamps, in violation of the National Internal Revenue Code of the Philippines.
“The Port of Batangas will continue to strengthen enforcement operations to ensure that illicit shipments are promptly detected and interdicted at the country’s gateways.”
District Collector Carmelita Talusan shared that the Port of Batangas will continue to strengthen enforcement operations to ensure that illicit shipments are promptly detected and interdicted at the country’s gateways.
Following the examination findings, a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued for violations of Sections 117 and 1113 of the CMTA.
