The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has reported seizing over P10 billion worth of illegal cigarettes through intensified operations against smuggling networks.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted that the market value of intercepted shipments exceeds P10 billion, emphasizing the scale of the illicit trade.Smugglers have shifted from international ports to local manufacturing in regions like Tarlac and Pampanga after facing crackdowns.The BOC also noted increased use of 'backdoors' such as Basilan, Sulu, and Mindoro for smuggling activities.Authorities previously seized P234.3 million in foreign-brand cigarettes near Zamboanga Sibugay, collaborating with the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy to combat these operations.The seizures underscore ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal cigarette trade networks that evade customs controls.