Customs chief Bienvenido Y. Rubio said over the weekend that significant personnel changes will occur if investigations confirm that Bureau of Customs (BOC) staff members were involved in the attempted resale of P270 million worth of seized contraband cigarettes from Capas, Tarlac.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an inquiry into the possible involvement of BOC personnel in the resale attempt of smuggled cigarettes previously confiscated by the agency. Rubio assured full cooperation with the NBI and emphasized that anyone found responsible for the illegal activity would face consequences.
“I’ve already instructed the Intelligence Group’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service to thoroughly investigate and report back to me immediately. Heads will roll,” Rubio said. He also acknowledged the significant strides made in tackling cigarette smuggling, highlighting the seizure of P5.1 billion worth of e-cigarettes and P4.1 billion worth of tobacco and cigarettes in the previous year.
The shipment arrived at the Port of Subic between July 2021 and June 2022. Seized and abandoned, it was designated for disposal in 2023. However, the NBI uncovered that a buy-bust operation occurred during a shift change among Customs personnel guarding the condemned goods.
Port of Subic acting district collector, Marlon Fritz Broto, confirmed that investigations were underway to clarify the circumstances surrounding the seized cigarettes, which were eventually found to be smuggled. Three containers were consigned to Hongcim International Corp. and one to Proline Logistics Philippines Inc.
The contracted waste disposal company, Hazchem North, is under scrutiny after the NBI revealed that its owner allegedly instructed an environmental consultant to locate a buyer for the seized goods. Rubio expressed the BOC’s continued collaboration with the NBI, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in their fight against illegal tobacco trade.
The potential involvement of BOC personnel in this incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness of anti-smuggling efforts, particularly in the management of seized goods. Should the investigation confirm misconduct, it could lead to stronger enforcement policies and better safeguards against such illegal activities, ensuring that revenue losses from cigarette smuggling are minimized. The BOC’s pledge to remain transparent and cooperative with the NBI signals a continued commitment to protecting the integrity of the agency’s operations and safeguarding public finances.
