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The Bureau of Customs seized tobacco products and cigarette-making paraphernalia with an estimated value totalling P256.5 million from a warehouse in Trece Martires, Cavite
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The June 28 operation also led to the arrest of four Chinese nationals, who will face appropriate charges relating to smuggling
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized tobacco products and cigarette-making paraphernalia with an estimated value totalling P256.5 million were seized from a warehouse in Trece Martires, Cavite.
Four Chinese nationals were arrested during the June 28 operation that was launched by BOC with assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation-Special Action Unit. The suspects will face appropriate charges relating to smuggling, BOC said in a statement.
The raiding team, comprising personnel from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-Manila International Container Port and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, enforced the Letter of Authority and Mission Order issued by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero.
The officers found raw materials for cigarette-making, such as tobacco filler, filter paper and paper rod, with an estimated value of P105 million.
They also found one filter maker, two cigarette makers, and six packing machines worth P75 million; four boxes of tax stamps worth P18 million each for a total of P72 million; and 81 master cases of Marvels cigarettes worth P50,000 each for a total of P4.05 million. Finished cigarette products, such as Marvels, Two Moon, Mighty, and other brands, were also found in the warehouse.
Once done with the complete inventory of the regulated goods, BOC Intelligence Group deputy commissioner Raniel Ramiro and CIIS director Jeoffrey Tacio are expected to recommend the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention, as well as the filing of appropriate and related charges against the warehouse operator.
For the first quarter of 2022, BOC has recorded 158 seizures of smuggled goods with an estimated value of P3.89 billion.
