MANILA – A major anti-smuggling operation led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) resulted in the seizure of 54 container vans carrying an estimated PHP3 billion worth of illicit cigarettes in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on Friday morning.
Acting on a Letter of Authority, customs personnel uncovered the 40-foot containers, each reportedly loaded with around 1,030 master cases of cigarettes.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. described the discovery as evidence of a highly organized criminal syndicate operating on a large scale.
According to Nartatez, the sheer number of container vans points to a transnational smuggling network with the capacity to move massive volumes of contraband through key regional ports.
Authorities said intelligence reports led operatives to Gotong Private Port, where members of the 1st Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, together with the BOC, conducted the inspection.
The seized shipment, found in Barangay Talisay, has been turned over to the BOC-Caraga for proper processing.
Nartatez warned that illegal smuggling operations weaken legitimate industries and reduce government revenue meant for public services.
He also ordered intensified monitoring of private ports and coastal facilities, stressing the need for stronger coordination between the PNP, BOC, and the Philippine Coast Guard to prevent similar illegal activities.
