MANILA — Authorities have discovered 54 container vans containing assorted cigarettes and raw tobacco materials valued at more than PHP3 billion in a container yard in Agusan del Norte, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said.

The BOC said the shipment was uncovered during an inspection conducted on May 8.

Initial findings showed various cigarette brands, including Red and Menthol Modern, Red and Menthol Carnival, Nise Baisha, Commando, Gold H&P, Delta, GJB-FH, BR Centro, Centro, Bossku, and TS Cigarettes.

Two of the container vans were also found to contain boxes of raw tobacco materials.

Authorities noted that the shipments appeared to be of foreign origin based on the container numbers.

During the inspection, company representatives reportedly told authorities that the shipping lines and consignees had already been notified. However, they were unable to present proof of payment of duties and taxes, import permits, or shipping documents when requested for verification.

The BOC said all 54 container vans were padlocked, while the area is currently under 24-hour security.

Further inventory, examination, and verification proceedings are ongoing to determine the exact volume of the shipment, its valuation, and possible violations.