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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider BOC seizes P791-million illicit cigarettes from Singapore

BOC seizes P791-million illicit cigarettes from Singapore

Published May 14, 2024 08:47 am

In response to President Marcos' directive to crack down on tobacco smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully intercepted an attempted smuggling operation that originated from Singapore.

In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, said the shipment of illicit cigarettes estimated to be valued at P791 million was seized at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) over the weekend.

The shipment, initially declared as containing cases of tobacco products, came under suspicion due to "derogatory information" received by the BOC's Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BOC-CIIS), indicating the possible presence of illicit cigarettes and other misdeclared or undeclared items.

"It is evident with this latest operation that smuggling activities continue to prey upon unsuspecting consumers. We have strict tobacco importation laws that aim to protect our citizens from unnecessary harm by illegally traded and imported cigarette products,” Rubio said.

“As an answer to the President's directive, we will continue working to get to the bottom of this menace and stop the dangers these bring. This unwavering stance should reassure the public of the Bureau's dedication to their safety,” he added.

On May 13, the shipment underwent a spot-check examination at the MICP's Designated Examination Area (DEA) where three containers suspected to contain the contraband.

Each container has an estimated 1,756 master cases of varying brands of cigarettes namely Golden, Bind, Double Happiness, and H&P One and heat sticks of brands COO and Like Premium Bluberry.  

The value of the products found in all three containers with 4,215 mastercases of assorted cigarettes and 1,053 mastercases of heat sticks was pegged at P791 million.

Related Tags

illicit cigarettes Customs Commissioner Bureau of Customs (BoC) Bienvenido Y. Rubio
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