The Bureau of Customs-Port of Subic seized another container of smuggled cigarettes from Singapore valued at P46.28 million.
The Port received derogatory information on the shipment, which prompted the issuance of a Pre-Lodgement Control Order. A total of 1,122 master cases of Marvels Filter Cigarettes declared as fabrics were discovered upon physical examination.
Further investigation showed that the consignee, Proline Logistics Philippines Inc., was not a registered Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) locator of foreign cigarettes and tobacco products. It was also not included in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) List of Registered Importers of Cigarette Brands.
Maritess T. Martin, district collector, issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment for violation of National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Memorandum Circular No. 3 and Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization Tariff Act.
Last month, the Port seized two shipments amounting to P84.97 million from the same consignee.
Martin said the Port of Subic would continue strengthening its border protection efforts against the entry of illicit goods into the country.