Zamboanga City (PIA) – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Zamboanga destroyed over P595 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at a warehouse in Barangay Baliwasan, this city. This action highlights BOC’s commitment to protecting the nation’s borders and stopping illegal goods.
The BOC Port of Zamboanga in its effort on anti-smuggling campaign, targeting Region 9 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has successfully seized and destroyed more than 8,816 cases and 1,014 reams of smuggled cigarettes. These contraband items, with an estimated market value of P595.22 million, were confiscated through a series of maritime patrol operations and inter-agency checkpoints across the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi from November 2023 to April 2024.
The cigarettes were shredded, soaked in water, and crushed with heavy equipment, under supervision. The remains were then disposed of in a landfill in Barangay Salaan, Zamboanga City.
District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. emphasized the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and public safety measures in the disposal process. “We are not permitted to burn these cigarettes as per directives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Health,” Sevilla stated.
Sevilla highlighted the directive of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio to ensure transparency and credibility throughout the destruction process. This is achieved through public condemnation activities, with representatives from the Commission on Audit, Department of Health, local government units, stakeholders, and all partner operating units in attendance.
Moreover, he recognized the efficient coordination among various agencies, including the BOC Port of Zamboanga’s Customs Police Division, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Division, Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Philippine Marines, National Bureau of Investigation, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and local government units.
They assure that they will continue their efforts and campaigns to seize smuggled goods in the region. Their collective efforts have ensured swift and effective operations against smugglers, reinforcing the BOC’s commitment to protecting the country’s economic interests and public health. (EDT/MLE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)
