P16.9 million smuggled cigarettes seized

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Customs seized on Friday P16.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at the North Harbor.

In a Facebook post, PCG Station Manila said government agents opened during a follow-up operation an undeclared container at the North Harbor and discovered 83 boxes containing 16,900 rims of cigarettes.

The items were included in parcels from an online shopping platform.

According to PCG, the smuggled cigarettes were among the items in two containers that arrived at Pier 14 on Feb. 27.

Authorities opened one of the containers on March 5 and found P15.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes.

Customs personnel sealed the two container vans as authorities ordered a full investigation.