BOC-MICP seizes P60M misdeclared cigarettes from China

0
969
Boxes of undeclared Mighty brand cigarettes found inside two 40-footer containers from China and bound to an economic zone in Cavite were recently seized by the Bureau of Customs. Photo from BOC.
  • Two 40-foot containers from China filled with P60 million in undeclared cigarettes apprehended by the Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port
  • Containers declared as various goods turned out to contain 1,599 packages of Mighty brand cigarettes

Two 40-foot containers from China filled with undeclared cigarettes worth an estimated P60 million and bound for an economic zone in Cavite were apprehended by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Manila International Container Port on January 18.

The shipments, consigned to a certain YJC International Corp., were declared to contain plastic frames, round tubes, plastic bags, and plastic sheets. But upon physical examination the containers were discovered to contain 1,599 packages of Mighty brand cigarettes, BOC said in a statement.

A warrant of seizure and detention has been issued against the shipment for violation of Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation), in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture), of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as other relevant guidelines set by the National Tobacco Administration and Bureau of Internal Revenue.

BOC in 2020 seized shipments with a consolidated value estimated at P9.746 billion, with seizures of cigarettes and tobacco accounting for P5.217 billion.