PCG seizes P13.4-M alleged smuggled cigarettes in Misamis Oriental

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has seized around P13.4 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during an anti-smuggling operation in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, the agency said.

In a statement, the PCG said its personnel confiscated 336 boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes along with two vehicles in Barangay Mambayaan on June 12.

Authorities said the seized items underwent proper documentation and inventory before they were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Region X on June 15 for further investigation and appropriate disposition.

The operation was conducted under the PCG’s Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) program, which aims to strengthen maritime law enforcement and curb illicit trade.

The PCG said the operation is part of its continuing efforts to support the government’s anti-smuggling campaign, protect state revenues, and safeguard the country’s economic interests.

The latest confiscation by the PCG comes amid a series of anti-smuggling operations in Mindanao over the weekend, where authorities intercepted more than P13 million worth of alleged illicit cigarettes, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).—MCG, GMA News