$1.5 Million in Smuggled Tobacco Seized by Philippine Customs

Key points:

·The Bureau of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BoC-CIIS) in the Philippines seized contraband cigarettes worth approximately 83.7 million pesos (1.5 million U.S. dollars) in Bulacan province. 

·Enforcement officers found 717 boxes of various brands of cigarettes and six trucks loaded with the smuggled goods in a warehouse. The brands included Modern, TS, Two Moon, Tattoo, and others. 

·The operation was supported by representatives from Philip Morris International (PMI) and Japan Tobacco International.

·The smuggling activity is believed to have a significant impact on the tobacco and e-cigarette consumption tax revenue in the Philippines, with an estimated tax loss of around 40 billion pesos (700 million U.S. dollars). 

According to a report by Tribune.net on April 26th, the Bureau of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (BoC-CIIS) in Bulacan province discovered contraband cigarettes worth approximately 83.7 million pesos (1.5 million U.S. dollars) in a warehouse in Bocaue City.

The operation was carried out by the Manila International Container Port Sub-Office of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS-MICP). Enforcement officers on-site discovered 717 boxes of cigarettes of various brands, and also detained six trucks carrying smuggled goods.

According to Verne Enciso, director of BoC-CIIS, the operation was launched based on intelligence received previously. After verifying the information, the team applied to the Customs Bureau director and obtained a formal Letter of Authority, before carrying out the inspection.

Brands of cigarettes seized on the scene include Modern, TS, Two Moon, Tattoo, Fort, H&P, Xplore, Carnival, Concord, RGD, Marvels, Chesterfields, and New Orleans, among others. Ensizo stated that the estimated value of the goods involved is approximately 83.7 million pesos, with the actual value to be confirmed after a detailed inventory is completed. To ensure the safety of the items, the warehouse involved in the case has been sealed and locked.

An official from Philip Morris International (PMI) and a legal consultant from Japan Tobacco International (JTI) also expressed appreciation for the enforcement actions taken by customs authorities.

Previously, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines reported that due to illegal trade of cigarettes and e-cigarettes between 2021 and 2024, the country's tobacco consumption tax revenue significantly decreased, resulting in an estimated financial loss of around 40 billion pesos (7 billion USD).