P95 million illegal cigarettes seized in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — Two shipping containers of suspected illegal cigarettes worth P95 million were intercepted in Mandaue, Cebu on Tuesday.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Security Law Enforcement Group-Central Visayas conducted a coordinated operation after receiving reports that a shipment of misdeclared cargos would be brought to the Gothong Wharf.

Two trailer trucks carrying illegal cigarettes arrived at the port at around 3:20 a.m.

However, the truck drivers, who sensed the presence of lawmen, detached the shipping containers and sped away.

Upon inspection, PCG men discovered 1,900 master cases of cigarettes inside the containers.