Customs destroys P16 million worth of smuggled cigarettes

Operatives of the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cagayan de Oro on Friday destroyed some P16 million worth of smuggled cigarettes inside a waste disposal facility in Cagayan de Oro.

In a statement, the BOC said the 2,027 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, which were destroyed through shredding, were seized in two separate shipments from China declared as "used furniture."

The BOC Cagayan de Oro assured to assist in the filing of cases against consignees of the said shipment through the Bureau's Action Team Against Smugglers.

Meanwhile, the BOC-Port of Cebu apprehended 45 packages of used computer LED monitors, laptops, and processors worth P3.04 million on February 15.

The goods were not declared which resulted in a discrepancy in taxes and other charges amounting to P306,974.

An alert order was issued against the shipment based on derogatory information from the intelligence group that the shipment contains undeclared items.

District collector Charlito Mendoza issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment after finding probable cause for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The BOC reminded importers and customs brokers to properly complete their importation to avoid seizure of goods and suspension or cancellation of accreditation. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News