Imported cigarettes worth almost P80 million smuggled allegedly into Cebu were seized by authorities in Cebu City.

The cigarettes seized were loaded into two container vans -- a 20-foot van and a 40-foot van.

The Philippine Coast Guard said it received information that the cargo would arrive in Cebu on May 11, 2026.

The agency conducted surveillance and, dawn on May 12, 2026, tracked vehicles to the North Reclamation Area. However, the trailers transporting the container vans reportedly stopped, disengaged from the cargo, and left.

“We are expecting nga ila balikan ba kay unusual lagi ibilin sa gilid sa dalan. Unfortunately, after hours of waiting, wa na mobalik ang truck. It has been suspicious… gibalik sa ato tropa… based sa report nga atong nadawat, positive ang kani duha ka van included in the list,” said Capt. Jerome Lozada, Station Commander of the Coast Guard Station Central Cebu.

The PCG sought the help of the Bureau of Customs so the container vans would be opened.

It was found that the container vans carried more than 1,000 boxes of cigarettes worth almost P80 million.

Authorities found out that the consignee of the cargo did not pay the right taxes as the cargo did not have tax stamps.

The consignee, as well as the place of origin of the cargo, are yet to be identified. As of this writing, authorities are yet to get hold of a copy of the cargo’s documents.

“There might be speculation nga ari ni siya dad-on sa Cebu, ari i-distribute or pwede ibiyahe but, eventually, na- intercept nato,” Lozada said.

Investigation into the shipment continues.