Authorities Seize ₱21-M Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes in Albay

Authorities intercepted a motorized banca and seized ₱21.6 million worth of undocumented cigarettes in Pio Duran, Albay, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported.

The operation, conducted on November 21, involved the BOC, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and field units from the Bicol Region and Ligao City.

Officials confiscated 377 packages of cigarettes aboard the vessel in Barangay Marigondon during the coastal operation.

Nine individuals aboard the banca were arrested after failing to present legal documents for the goods.

The BOC stated that cigarette smuggling violates provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Executive Order No. 245 on tobacco regulation, and the National Internal Revenue Code.