The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines announced on Thursday that it is taking legal action against individuals involved in the smuggling of P31.92 million worth of broken corals and cigarettes into the country. The BOC discovered the contraband during four routine inspections at the Port of Zamboanga last month, where bags of broken corals were found mixed with white sand.
The drivers of the vehicles carrying these goods, which included 250 sacks of white sand and 370 cases of cigarettes, were unable to provide the necessary permits for their shipment. Consequently, the BOC issued warrants of seizure and detention, and the confiscated items are now in the custody of the Port of Zamboanga. The bureau is actively working on building a case to identify the individuals behind this smuggling operation.
The illegal trade of marine species, such as corals, is prohibited under the Philippine Mining Act (Republic Act No. 7942), while the unauthorized shipment of tobacco products is outlawed by the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863) and Executive Order No. 245. BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of increased vigilance to combat smuggling, highlighting both the threat to government revenue from illicit cigarettes and the ecological dangers posed by the smuggling of marine materials.
This action not only illustrates the BOC’s commitment to enforcing environmental and economic laws but also raises awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and compliance with customs regulations.