The Philippine Customs Authority seized smuggled cigarettes worth 1.5 million US dollars in Bracan Province, involving multiple brands. This operation was highly praised by Philip Morris International and Nippon Tobacco International.
Key points:
- The Philippine Customs Intelligence and Investigation Agency (BoC-CIIS) seized smuggled cigarettes worth approximately 83.7 million pesos (1.5 million US dollars) in Bragan Province.
- Law enforcement officers found 717 cases of cigarettes of different brands and six trucks already loaded with goods in a warehouse. The related brands include several brands such as Modern, TS, Two Moon, Tattoo, etc.
- This action was supported by representatives of Philip Morris International and Nippon Tobacco International.
- Smuggling activities are believed to have had a significant impact on tobacco and e-cigarette consumption taxes in the Philippines, resulting in tax losses of approximately 40 billion pesos (700 million US dollars).
PMI, JTI support Philippine Customs in fighting smuggling
According to Tribune.net’s report on April 26th, the Philippine Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (BoC-CIIS) seized smuggled cigarettes worth approximately 83.7 million pesos (1.5 million US dollars) in a warehouse in Bocaou City, Bragan Province.
This operation was carried out by the Manila International Container Port Branch of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (CIIS-MICP). Law enforcement officers found 717 cases of cigarette products of different brands at the scene and seized six trucks carrying smuggled goods at the same time.
According to Verne Enciso, the director of BoC-CIIS, the operation was carried out based on the intelligence received previously. After verifying the information, the team applied to the director of customs, obtained a formal letter of authority, and conducted the investigation.
The cigarette brands seized on the spot include Modern, TS, Two Moon, Tattoo, Fort, H&P, Xplore, Carnival, Concord, RGD, Marvels, Chesterfields and New Orleans, etc. Encisso said that the current valuation of the goods involved in the case is approximately 83.7 million pesos, and the actual value will be confirmed after a detailed count is completed. To ensure the safety of the items, the warehouse involved in the case has been sealed off and locked.
An official from Philip Morris International (PMI) and the legal advisor of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) also expressed appreciation for the law enforcement actions of the Customs Bureau.
Previously, the Internal Revenue Service (BIR) of the Philippines reported that between 2021 and 2024, due to illegal trade in cigarettes and e-cigarettes, the national tobacco consumption tax revenue dropped significantly, estimated to have caused a financial loss of approximately 40 billion pesos (700 million US dollars).
