BOC-Cebu reports P148 million apprehensions in August
Another cigarette smuggling attempt foiled
THE collection district of Cebu continues to make inroads in its anti-smuggling campaign, hauling in nearly P148 million in seized goods for the month of August.
In his accomplishment report to Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Rey Leonardo ‘Jagger’ Guerrero, Port of Cebu district collector, Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, said the seizure consisted of “undeclared, misdeclared and undervalued shipments including rice, used engines, hotel sundries and cigarettes.”
Mendoza further informed Guerrero that last September 1, 2020, yet another attempt to smuggle imported cigarettes worth P88.1 million was foiled thru the coordinated efforts of port officials and personnel.
“Even with the boost of technology, our gains in our anti-smuggling drive rely largely on the diligence, and cooperation of our officers.
“This is why i commend our people for keeping vigilant,” Mendoza said in a statement to the media.
“The seized goods, upon forfeiture, shall be auctioned off without unnecessary delay to generate additional revenues for the government while those that are prohibited or anti-social goods will be disposed of accordingly,” he added.
Mendoza added the smuggled cigarettes on board two containers, arrived at the POC on two separate occasions last month and declared as “umbrella and various home furniture.”
He identified the consignee as GRR Trading, the same importer previously caught trying to smuggle in imported cigarettes at the port.
The trading company is already facing smuggling charges before the Department of Justice (see related story in this issue).
On actual physical inspection, Menoza said the first container yielded 851 master cases of “Mighty” cigarettes while 911 master cases of “Mighty”, “Fort”, and “Marvel” cigarettes were found inside the second container.
