By Brian Jules Campued
An estimated P791 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and vape products from Singapore were intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on Tuesday.
Records showed that the shipment arrived in three containers at the MICP over the weekend, the BOC said in a statement.
Upon physical examination, the contraband yielded a total of 5,268 master cases of assorted cigarettes and heat sticks which did not bear mandatory health warnings printed on its packaging.
According to Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, the CIIS received “derogatory information” regarding the shipment which led to the interception of illicit items.
The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) also confirmed that the consignee on record was not a registered importer of tobacco products, in violation of NTA Board Resolution 079-2005.
“A Warrant of Seizure and Detention will be issued against the subject shipment for violation of Section 117 (Regulated Importation) in relation to Section 1113 of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, RA 11900 or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act of 2022” as implemented by Department of Trade Industry Administrative Order No. 22-16 series of 2022, RA 10643 or “The Graphic Health Warnings Law of 2014 and NTA Board Resolution No. 079-2005,” the BOC statement read.
In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the BOC will continue to intensify its anti-smuggling efforts against illegal tobacco and vape products.
“Our vigilant team is committed to upholding regulations and safeguarding consumers from potentially hazardous consumer products,” Rubio added. – avds
