The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized 320 boxes of misdeclared cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱29.17 million.
Two 20-foot containers, which originated from Zamboanga, underwent spot inspections with assistance from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) K9 unit at the Subport of North Harbor.
Inspectors found illegal cigarettes in one container, while the other contained white cigarette filters packed in boxes bearing Chinese markings.
The 320 boxes of cigarettes, mostly of Astro and Redwood brand, did not match the shipment’s declared contents as scrap metal.
The products have an estimated import value of ₱9.6 million, with a market value of ₱29.17 million.
The bureau said the appropriate procedures are ongoing in accordance with customs and revenue laws.