In Cebu City: P2.2 billion smuggled cigarettes busted

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities seized 11 container vans loaded with suspected smuggled cigarettes worth an estimated P2.2 billion during a joint operation by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Cebu City on Wednesday, June 24.

The illegally imported cigarettes were confiscated in Barangay Bacayan and at Pier 4 as part of an intensified crackdown on cigarette smuggling in the region.

As of press time, authorities were still conducting an inventory to determine the total value of the seized contraband and identify those responsible for the shipment. Authorities estimate that the three containers intercepted at Gothong Wharf alone could be worth around P600 million, which means each container is valued at P200M.

Using the initial estimate provided by NBI Cebu District Office Agent-in-Charge Arnel Pura, the 11 container vans may have a combined value of as much as P2.2 billion.

Pura said six container vans were seized in Bacayan, while three were intercepted at Gothong Wharf in Pier 4. Two more containers were stopped while being transported out of the wharf.

According to Pura, the containers were carrying illegally imported cigarettes and were intercepted while authorities were conducting a broader operation against cigarette smuggling activities in Central Visayas.

“Confirmed na merong illegally imported na sigarilyo. Plus, there were two containers intercepted while in the process of exiting from the wharf. These containers are now under the custody of the task force,” Pura said.

Authorities are also validating reports that three more 40-foot containers suspected of carrying the same contraband remain inside the port awaiting release.

Pura said the task force will coordinate with Gothong Wharf management to determine the exact number of containers involved and identify the parties behind the shipment.

Investigators have yet to determine the origin of the cigarettes. Pura said authorities are tracing the shipments through container numbers and other shipping records.

“At this point, we are still tracking where the shipments came from. The container numbers will be our basis in starting the investigation,” he said.

The investigation is currently focused on two truck drivers arrested during the operation. While the drivers have provided information to authorities, Pura declined to disclose details, saying premature disclosure could compromise follow-up operations and the broader investigation.

The seizure is linked to a larger operation conducted a day earlier by NBI Director Melvin Matibag and partner agencies, which resulted in the confiscation of 23 containers loaded with suspected smuggled cigarettes in Manila that reportedly originated from Cebu.

Based on initial estimates, the 23 containers seized in Manila have a combined value of approximately P1.7 billion.

Pura said the three containers discovered at the wharf are believed to be part of the same shipment previously intercepted by authorities.

The NBI official noted that cigarette smuggling remains a persistent concern in Cebu, citing at least two major apprehensions in recent months. He added that authorities are still determining whether a single syndicate or multiple groups are involved in the illegal trade.

Pura said cigarette smuggling deprives the government of significant tax revenues while allowing illegal tobacco products to be sold at prices far lower than legitimate products.

“Mas mura talaga sila dahil hindi sila dumadaan sa tamang buwis at regulasyon,” Pura said. — /FPL (FREEMAN)