Over P2M worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in Cebu — PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard recently seized more than P2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Cebu.

PCG District Central Visayas confiscated the smuggled cigarettes from a wing van truck onboard MV Lite Ferry 17, which traveled from Dapitan Port in Zamboanga del Norte to Mainit Port in Oslob, Cebu on August 1, the PCG said in a statement on Thursday.

The Coast Guard said the seized smuggled cigarettes had an estimated market value of P2,116,000.

The investigation showed the smuggled cigarettes came from Malaysia and were tightly packed inside canned sardine boxes.

The seized items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition, while the hired driver of the wing van truck was allowed to return to Zamboanga del Norte.

“The PCG actively works with the BOC to enforce maritime laws and regulations and address smuggling and other illegal activities within the country's maritime jurisdiction,” the Coast Guard said. —Richa Noriega/VBL, GMA News