Zamboanga: An estimated PHP25.81 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, environmentally restricted marine materials, and four vehicles were seized during four separate operations recently conducted at the Port of Zamboanga, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported.

According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the operations carried out by the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), and personnel from the Office of the District Collector led to the confiscation of 370 master cases of smuggled cigarettes. Additionally, 250 sacks of sand containing broken corals were seized after the drivers failed to present import documents and other required permits.

Warrants of seizure and detention (WSDs) were issued for all four incidents, citing violations of the ‘Tobacco Exportation and Importation Rules and Regulations’ implemented by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA). These actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order No. 245 and Section 117 of Republic Act (RA) 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Section 1113, paragraphs (a) and (f).

The BOC chief further noted that the seizure of marine materials was in violation of Section 110 of RA 7942, known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, and Batas Pambansa Blg. 265. Nepomuceno credited the interceptions to the bureau’s intensified border enforcement efforts.

‘Heightened vigilance is key to stopping smuggled cigarettes that hurt revenue and marine materials that endanger ecosystems. Guided by the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we continuously fortify our enforcement measures to safeguard trade integrity and environmental security,’ he said in a statement.

The Port of Zamboanga has placed the smuggled items and the vehicles used to convey them under forfeiture proceedings. It has also initiated a case build-up to identify and charge those responsible for these unlawful acts.