Smuggled cigarettes seized in Mindanao Container Terminal

MISAMIS ORIENTAL - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a 40-foot container van containing imported cigarettes worth P15 million at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

BOC said the shipment’s documents declared that it contained disposable diapers.

However, when the container van was opened, authorities found around 800 boxes of imported cigarettes hidden inside the boxes of diapers.

"We already received information coming from one of our foreign counterparts that this particular shipment is due to arrive in the Philippines. We also want to validate how accurate our sources are. This is the result of the information that we got from our foreign counterpart," said Atty. Teddy Raval, Deputy Commissioner of BOC Intelligence Group.

The shipment came from Singapore and arrived at the MCT last December 13, 2016.

However, the consignee identified as Black Petal Commercial with an address at Purok 10, Baloy Highway in Barangay Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City did not show up at MCT to claim the shipment.

"Within 15 days, if the entry will not be filed, automatically it will be in favor of the government," said MCT Collector, Samson Pacasum.

Macasum said they twice informed Black Petal Commercial about the shipment, but no representative from the firm appeared at the customs office.

The newsteam meanwhile failed to locate the consignee despite assistance from barangay officials and local residents.

Charges will be filed against those behind the illegal shipment.