Business · Philippines Bureau
Philippines continues destroying P413M in smuggled cigarettes at Subic
The Bureau of Customs is proceeding with the condemnation and disposal of 10 containers of abandoned contraband cigarettes at the Port of Subic in Zambales province. The operation follows the destruction of an initial batch worth P129 million in late July.
LSN Philippines ·
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales—Customs authorities in the Philippines continued Thursday with the destruction of smuggled cigarettes as part of an ongoing disposal operation at the Port of Subic. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is systematically condemning 10 containers of abandoned cigarettes valued at approximately P413 million, building on earlier destruction efforts.
The operation commenced in late July with the destruction of three 40-foot containers worth P129.065 million, containing roughly 3,000 cases of contraband cigarettes. Thursday's activities represent the second phase of the larger disposal project aimed at eliminating the illicit shipment that had been abandoned at the port facility.
The Subic port facility has become a focal point for customs enforcement operations targeting smuggled goods. The destruction of high-value contraband represents part of broader Philippine government efforts to combat illegal tobacco trade and protect domestic revenue from excise taxes.
The BOC has not disclosed the timeline for completing the full disposal of all 10 containers, though the agency appears to be executing the destruction in sequential batches. Officials have not indicated the origin of the smuggled shipment or the circumstances surrounding its abandonment at the port.