Philippines Seizes Over P10 Billion in Illegal Cigarettes Amid Intensified Operations

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines has announced the seizure of over P10 billion worth of illegal cigarettes being smuggled into the country, a result of intensified operations. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the combined market value of all intercepted items exceeds P10 billion, describing it as "no joke" and a "massive business." He noted that even with repeated seizures, smugglers can recoup their losses if even one shipment gets through. Initially, illicit cigarettes were primarily smuggled through international ports. However, intensified crackdowns by the BOC have pushed illegal operators to switch to local manufacturing around October of last year. The BOC revealed that they have also discovered and busted illegal cigarette manufacturing factories in Tarlac and Pampanga. Furthermore, Nepomuceno explained that smugglers are increasing the number of entry points via "backdoors" within the country. These now include southern areas like Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, as well as regions like Mindoro, Batangas, and extending to Navotas and Tondo in Metro Manila. Recently, approximately P234.3 million worth of alleged foreign-brand smuggled cigarettes were seized off the waters of Lutangan Island in Olutangan, Zamboanga Sibugay. The BOC is strengthening coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy to combat smuggling through these "backdoors." Source: GMA News Philippines