By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials seized approximately P605.29 million worth of illegal cigarettes in an inspection conducted at a warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan on Wednesday, following intelligence reports of suspicious warehouse activities.
A total of 8,647 master cases of imported cigarettes without the required Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps and the Philippine-mandated graphic health warnings were discovered in the storage facility, with markings indicating China and Vietnam as the source of the contraband.
The operation was spearheaded by the BOC’s Intelligence and Enforcement Groups, with the Intellectual Property Rights Division, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service—Manila International Container Port, and Enforcement and Security Service—Port of Manila, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and barangay officials of Bulihan, Plaridel, and Bulacan.
Apart from the confiscated goods, three individuals were also collared by authorities, who were undergoing inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice as of press time. Criminal complaints will also be lodged against the warehouse’s registered owner and proprietor.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said of the operation, “Our proactive enforcement ensures that we are fully compliant with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to stop illicit cigarettes from infiltrating legitimate trade channels and protect the welfare of our citizens.”
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