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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BOC seizes ₱605 million in smuggled cigarettes in Bulacan raid

BOC seizes ₱605 million in smuggled cigarettes in Bulacan raid

Published Aug 27, 2025 03:08 pm
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seizes an estimated ₱605.29 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from a warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan, as part of an intensified campaign against illicit trade.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seizes an estimated ₱605.29 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from a warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan, as part of an intensified campaign against illicit trade.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intensified its anti-smuggling efforts, resulting in the seizure of ₱605.29 million worth of illicit cigarettes from a warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan, in a move that supports President Marcos’ directive to enhance enforcement.
According to a press statement from the BOC, IO4 Alvin Enciso of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) spearheaded the intelligence gathering.
The inspection, conducted pursuant to a Letter of Authority (LOA), took place after the BOC received intelligence reports regarding suspicious activities.
During the operation, BOC operatives discovered 8,647 master cases of imported cigarettes that lacked the necessary Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps and the mandated Philippine graphic health warnings. Markings on the products indicated they originated from China and Vietnam.
The operation was conducted jointly by the BOC’s Intelligence and Enforcement Groups, with support from the Intellectual Property Rights Division, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Manila International Container Port, and Enforcement and Security Service–Port of Manila.
The BOC worked in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and local barangay officials of Bulihan, Plaridel, Bulacan.
Three individuals were apprehended at the scene and are currently undergoing inquest proceedings with the Department of Justice.
The BOC noted that a Warrant of Seizure and Detention would be issued for violations of Section 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended; National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Memorandum Circular No. 02, s.2020; and Section 1113 of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The agency added that criminal complaints would also be filed against the registered owner and proprietor of the warehouse where the illicit cigarettes were found.
“Our proactive enforcement ensures that we are fully compliant with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to stop illicit cigarettes from infiltrating legitimate trade channels and protect the welfare of the public,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno remarked.

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