The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intensified its anti-smuggling campaign following the successful interception of P980 million worth of illegal cigarettes at a private port in Cebu on July 2, 2026.
Commissioner Nepomuceno Vows Stronger Enforcement
Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the agency's commitment to preventing cigarette smuggling and all forms of smuggling. “The agency will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven enforcement operations, in partnership with our partner agencies, to finally dismantle smuggling networks, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard the people's funds,” Nepomuceno said.
Directive from President Marcos Jr.
The campaign is also based on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to curb any smuggling activity in the country. The BOC has been ramping up its efforts to detect and intercept illicit goods, particularly cigarettes, which have been a major source of revenue loss for the government.
