Customs seizes P29 million in contraband cigarettes at Manila port

MANILA — Customs authorities have seized a significant shipment of contraband cigarettes at a major port facility in the nation's capital. The Bureau of Customs reported Friday that two containers holding approximately 320 boxes of Astro and Redwood brand cigarettes were discovered during inspection operations at the Sub-port of North Harbor in Tondo, Manila.

The smuggled cigarettes, valued at P29 million, were concealed within containers that had been fraudulently declared as scrap metal to evade detection by port authorities. The discovery underscores ongoing efforts by smuggling syndicates to circumvent customs procedures through false documentation and concealment tactics.

The seizure marks another success in the BOC's intensified campaign against contraband trade at Philippine ports. Officials did not immediately disclose whether arrests were made in connection with the smuggling attempt or provide additional details regarding the shipment's intended destination.

The Bureau of Customs has been ramping up inspections across major port facilities nationwide as part of broader efforts to combat revenue loss and protect domestic industries from unfair competition posed by illegal imports.