The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has conducted simultaneous raids on several business establishments across the country as part of the crackdown on the sale of untaxed cigarettes, wine and other similar products. Initial reports indicated that large volumes of the contrabands were confiscated and brought to the respective revenue regional offices for further verification and destruction. Under the directive of BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr., 24 revenue regional directors led these operations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to combating tax evasion which has been causing the government to lose billions of pesos yearly. Lumagui personally headed the teams during visits to Fun Mart and the Wine Club Worldwide Philippines, both located in Legaspi Village, Makati City. Significant large quantities of products, which are subject to excise tax, were confiscated from two retail outlets. Lumagui said store owners would face fines and the potential cancellation of their business permits as consequences for their alleged involvement in such illegal activities. The operations were not limited to Makati City alone but also extended to other prominent cities and towns nationwide. Initial reports also revealed the closure of a cigarette factory in Subic, Zambales, for distributing products without the required BIR stamp. Early this year, the BIR conducted similar nationwide operations which resulted in the confiscation and destruction of significant volumes of imported cigarettes.