CEBU, PHILIPPINES — The National Bureau of Investigation-Cebu District Office (NBI-CEBDO) has seized 25 additional 20-foot container vans loaded with suspected smuggled foreign-brand cigarettes worth an estimated P980 million at the Gothong Wharf in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The operation forms part of the NBI-CEBDO’s continuing efforts, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu and other law enforcement agencies, to track down illegal shipments following the earlier apprehension of 11 40-foot container vans that also contained suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Head Agent Arnel Pura, NBI-CEBDO agent-in-charge, said the operation stemmed from intelligence reports indicating that more suspicious shipments remained inside Gothong Wharf, prompting authorities to conduct document verification and surveillance operations.
With the assistance of Gothong Shipping Lines management, NBI-CEBDO operatives traced the 25 containers, which were declared under Ryan Surplus, DLA Agrivet Supplies, Astana Hardware and Construction Supplies, Santo Niño Home Equipment, Zion Marine Products and Supplies, and Tandia Cargo Handling Services as shippers.
By cross-checking shipping records, investigators initially identified 12 of the 25 containers. The units were immediately padlocked, marked, and placed under round-the-clock security to preserve evidence and prevent unauthorized access.
On July 2, the BOC, armed with a Letter of Authority and Mission Order issued by Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno pursuant to Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), joined the NBI-CEBDO in inspecting the containers. Authorities later located the remaining 13 containers within the wharf.
All 25 containers were examined in the presence of representatives from the BOC, Philippine Coast Guard, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Mandaue City Police Office, and barangay officials. The inspection confirmed that the containers were loaded with suspected smuggled foreign-brand cigarettes valued at approximately P980 million.
The containers were jointly sealed by the NBI-CEBDO and the BOC pending a full inventory, further examination, and the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
Pura said investigators are still backtracking the shipping documents to determine the origin of the shipment and identify the individuals behind the operation.
The NBI is recommending the possible filing of criminal charges for alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the National Internal Revenue Code, and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
In a separate statement, BOC-Cebu Port District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad vowed to continue working with the NBI to sustain intelligence-driven enforcement operations aimed at dismantling smuggling networks, protecting legitimate businesses, and safeguarding government revenues.
BOC Commissioner Nepomuceno lauded the successful operation, underscoring the agency’s intensified campaign against the illicit tobacco trade and all forms of smuggling.
“Malinaw ang mensahe ng operasyong ito. Hindi titigil ang BOC sa kampanya laban sa illicit tobacco trade at lahat ng uri ng smuggling. Ipagpapatuloy ng ahensya ang pagpapalakas ng intelligence-driven enforcement operations, katuwang ang ating partner agencies, upang tuluyang mabuwag ang mga smuggling networks, maprotektahan ang mga legitimate businesses, at mabantayan ang pondo ng bayan,” Nepomuceno said
| Mitchelle Palaubsanon / FPL
