Customs Port of CDO Intercepts Smuggled Cigarettes

The Port of Cagayan de Oro through the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) seized smuggled cigarettes with estimated value of Php 40 million at Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) in Tagoloan town.

The shipment which arrived from China on September 17 was immediately issued with Pre-Lodgement Control Order. This was followed by an Alert Order against the shipment for violation of National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Memorandum Circular No. 03 Series of 2004 and NTA Board Resolution No. 079-2005 in relation to Section 1113 (f) and Section 1400 (Misdeclaration) of R.A 10863 otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Oliver Valliente, CIIS Field Station Chief said that the illegal shipment was alerted to them through ‘Project Crocodile’.

Project Crocodile is an information sharing scheme between customs administration of member countries including notifying each other if there are movements of suspicious cigarette shipments.

Previously, the Port of CDO destroyed eighteen thousand reams of smuggled cigarettes.

District Collector John Simon reiterated their continuous support in the Bureau of Custom’s drive to combat smuggling. He likewise commended the vigilance and dedication to duty of the personnel instrumental for the said apprehension.

In his statement, Simon added that the Port of Cagayan de Oro will remain steadfast in its mandate to protect the country’s borders by preventing the entry of smuggled goods.