PHILIPPINES: Authorities have seized a shipment of undeclared cigarettes worth more than ₱235 million at the Port of Batangas, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) confirmed via this PNA report.
The operation, carried out on March 5, uncovered 637 cases of cigarettes branded “MAC” that entered the country without proper importation documents.
According to the BOC, the cigarettes were found during a physical inspection of a container that arrived from the United Arab Emirates, raising suspicions of an attempt to illegally bring regulated tobacco products into the Philippines.
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Intelligence Tip Led to the Discovery
Customs officials said the operation was triggered by information received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).
The report indicated that the vessel M/V Ever Cast, which was bound for Batangas, could be carrying a container loaded with cigarettes.
Initial document checks raised concerns.
Authorities discovered that the container was not listed in key shipping records, including:
• Bill of Lading
• Inward Foreign Manifest
• Discharge List
Because of these discrepancies, customs officials requested a closer inspection of containers on board the vessel.
Container Identified After Monitoring
The suspicious container was eventually confirmed to be on board M/V Ever Cast when the vessel arrived in Batangas on February 14.
Before the container could be unloaded, the BOC Port of Batangas issued a Pre-Lodgement Control Order (PLCO).
This measure ensured that the shipment would undergo strict inspection once it reached the port.
When authorities conducted the physical examination, they discovered hundreds of cigarette cases inside the container.
Further checks revealed that the consignee was not authorized to import cigarettes, strengthening suspicions that the shipment was part of an illegal importation attempt.
Possible Violations Under Investigation
The BOC said the shipment is now under investigation for possible violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The case may involve the following provisions:
• Section 1400 – Misdeclaration, Misclassification, and Undervaluation in Goods Declaration
• Section 117 – Regulated Importation and Exportation
• Section 1113 – Property Subject to Forfeiture
If proven, these violations could lead to the confiscation of the goods and further legal action against those involved.
What Authorities Are Watching Next
Customs officials said the seizure highlights ongoing efforts to stop the illegal entry of regulated goods into the country.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the individuals or groups responsible for the shipment.
The BOC also emphasized that intelligence-driven operations and stricter port inspections remain key strategies in combating smuggling activities across Philippine ports.