PCG Intercepts ₱15.8M Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes at Manila Port

Manila, Philippines – Authorities intercepted ₱15.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes aboard a passenger-cargo vessel at the Port of Manila, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Friday.

The 80 boxes of undeclared cigarettes were discovered on M/V St. Michael the Archangel during an inspection on February 27, revealing the shipment was not listed in the vessel’s cargo manifest.

Upon the vessel’s arrival at North Harbor, Manila, authorities secured the cargo. On March 5, the shipment was opened in the presence of government agencies, confirming the smuggled cigarettes.

The PCG vowed to intensify maritime and port security to combat smuggling and protect public safety.