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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Customs uncovers warehouse manufacturing fake cigarettes in Nueva Ecija

Customs uncovers warehouse manufacturing fake cigarettes in Nueva Ecija

Published Jan 18, 2020 12:00 am
By Betheena Kae Unite  A warehouse allegedly used to manufacture counterfeit cigarettes worth billions was uncovered by the Bureau of Customs Saturday in Nueva Ecija. (BUREAU OF CUSTOMS PH / FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN) (BUREAU OF CUSTOMS PH / FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN) Agents from the Customs-Enforcement and Security Service during a raid, discovered the warehouse filled with several boxes of fake cigarettes, machines used in manufacturing the counterfeit products, and fake tax stamps. Twenty Chinese nationals suspected to be engaged in manufacturing the counterfeit products and 100 Filipinos believed to be behind the illegal operations were also arrested, the bureau said. An undetermined quantity of counterfeit cigarettes of various brands such as Two Moon Blue, Two Moon Menthol, and Marvels estimated to have a value of P1 billion were seized during the operation. Three boxes fake BIR stamps, five lines of cigarette making machine with three machines per line, six lines of packing machines, one unit of filter making machine, mixer, dryer and raw materials believed to be used in making counterfeit cigarettes were also found inside the warehouse. According to the bureau, the operation was powered by a Letter of Authority signed by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero. Local concerned offices and police were also part of the raid. At present, an inventory of the seized products is under way. An investigation to determine the appropriate cases to be filed in relation to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act will follow, the bureau said.
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