The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized approximately P500 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a raid on warehouses in Bulacan on Thursday, Aug. 22.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) conducted the inspection and also seized counterfeit items worth P5 billion, including devices, garments, and gadgets.
The CIIS-MICP agents implemented the raid on 19 warehouses located at Green Miles Compound, Sitio Cabatuhan, Camalig, Meycauayan City, Bulacan.
BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio stated that the bureau will continue to ensure the safety of tobacco products sold in the domestic market and protect intellectual property rights (IPR).
“Removing illicit, unsafe, and untested tobacco products from our markets is one of the many functions of the BOC. This safeguards our community and ensures that our consumers only have access to products that underwent rigorous standard testing,” Rubio said.
“In the same manner, we must also protect products with intellectual property rights because failing to do so puts the country in a bad light and thus affects how these companies, brands see the legal protection accorded to them,” he added.
The Letter of Authority (LOA) signed by Rubio was implemented alongside the Enforcement and Security Service-MICP, Prosecution and Litigation Division-Bureau Action Team Against Smuggling, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
The warehouses have been temporarily padlocked and sealed to protect the seized items until the BOC examiners complete the final inventory of the goods.
The consignors and consignees of the shipment may face charges for violating various sections of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), including regulated importation and exportation, misdeclaration in goods declaration, and property subject to seizure and forfeiture.
Additionally, they may also face charges under Republic Act 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, Republic Act 10963, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN Law), and National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Board Resolution No. 079-2005, which pertains to the exportation and importation of leaf tobacco and tobacco products.