Authorities have intercepted a total of P32.7 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes following the inspection of two undeclared containers at North Harbor, Manila, in a series of operations led by the Philippine Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies.

The latest seizure occurred on March 14, 2025, when a joint team from the PCG, Bureau of Customs, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine Tobacco Institute discovered 83 boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes in a second undeclared container at Pier 14 in Manila Port area.

Captain Vincent Laca, commander of PCG - Station Manila, said intelligence reports received months prior indicated that smuggled cigarettes were being transported from Zamboanga to Manila via a passenger-cargo vessel. 

The undeclared status of the shipment raised suspicions, prompting a coordinated inspection and verification effort.

“We opened the first one on March 5. We opened the second one March 14 at ito nga tumambad sa ating ang 16,900 rims with an estimated value of almost P17 million. Right now, lahat na po ng agencies are preparing to file a case. We are in talks with the Customs and NBI,” Laca stated.

This development follows an earlier operation on March 5, 2025, when authorities opened the first container, which had arrived at the Port of Manila on February 27. Inside, they found 80 boxes of undeclared and allegedly smuggled cigarettes containing 200 rims per box, with an estimated market value of P15.8 million.

“Ang pinaka-first indicator namin ay wala ito sa cargo manifest. So, obviously itinatago ito, undeclared ito. Pangalawa, hindi rin ito alam ng Bureau of Customs. Pangatlo, kasama rin natin iyong Philippine Tobacco Institute na nag-inspect and tatlo nga iyong na-identify nila na nawawala: Tax stamp verification, graphic health warning, and manufacturer’s information,” Laca added.

Following standard procedures, authorities sealed the second container for full inventory and further investigation.

The BOC is currently verifying the identities of entities and individuals possibly involved in the smuggling operation, with potential violations of customs laws and falsification of documents under scrutiny.

This marks the first time the PCG has intercepted alleged smuggled cigarettes at the Port of Manila this year, 2025, but investigations are still ongoing to determine the intended recipient and whether the Port of Manila was the shipment’s final destination.

Authorities also reaffirm their commitment to curbing illicit trade by strengthening maritime security and intensifying efforts to prevent similar attempts in the future.