P57-M worth of illicit cigarettes seized across PH
At A Glance
- Several operations were conducted in different locations in the country to combat the smuggling of cigarettes.<br>In Batangas, a joint operation involving the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Philippine National Police resulted in the seizure of P40.2 million worth of illicit cigarettes.<br>The seized cigarettes were brands not registered with the BIR and did not have proper tax stamps and graphic health warnings.<br>In South Cotabato, a joint operation involving the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Customs Intelligence Investigation Service (CIIS), and other agencies led to the seizure of P7.825 million worth of cigarettes and a van.<br>The operation resulted in the discovery of 14,950 cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes and one Isuzu Truck Wing Closed Van unit.<br>The BOC and General Santos City sub-port also seized P9.1 million worth of cigarettes, but further details are not provided.<br>Another joint operation involving the CIIS, ESS, Task Force Gensan Bawing Detachment, and Armed Forces of the Philippines yielded 17,000 cases of "Fort" cigarettes and three closed van units.<br>Warrants of seizure and detention were recommended for the seized items, and criminal charges have been filed against the suspects.
Over P57 million worth of illicit cigarettes were seized in separate operations in Batangas, South Cotabato, and General Santos City, according to the reports of government agencies.
In Batangas, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), along with the units of the Philippine National Police, conducted an operation in Barangay Cayponse, Balayan that yielded P40.2 million worth of illicit cigarettes.
The seized illegal cigarettes were brands not registered with the BIR which are New Orleans Black, New Orleans Red, and H&P, the bureau said on Saturday, Sept. 2, in a statement.
It also said that the cigarettes did not have proper tax stamps and graphic health warnings mandated in legal, tax-paid cigarettes.
In South Cotabato, officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and General Santos City sub-port seized P7.825 million worth of cigarettes and a van last Aug. 29 in Barangay New Cuyapo, Tantangan.
The Customs Intelligence Investigation Service (CIIS) and Enforcement Security Service (ESS), 1st Company South Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force, Provincial Intelligence Unit, and Tantangan Municipal Police Station conducted a joint operation that led to the discovery of 14,950 cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes and one Isuzu Truck Wing Closed Van unit.
Meanwhile, the BOC and General Santos City sub-port also seized P9.1 million worth of cigarettes and vans in Barangay Bawing, General Santos City.
A joint operation between the CIIS, ESS, Task Force Gensan Bawing Detachment, and Intelligence Operatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines yielded 17,000 cases of “Fort” cigarettes and three closed van units.
A warrant of seizure and detention were recommended for the items that were seized in the three separate operations while criminal charges have been filed against the suspects.
The BIR said it conducted two nationwide raids of 1,500 retail stores and establishments and filed 69 complaints of tax evasion worth P1.8 billion against illicit tobacco traders this year.
It also added that the government loses P50 billion to P100 billion every year in foregone excise tax revenues from illegal tobacco.
For the Customs, these operations against illegal importation of goods in the country aim to raise its revenue collection, border security, and trade facilitation to international standards. (Xander Dave Ceballos)