Smuggling

BOC MICP Intercepts Php 60 Million Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes

As part of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) strengthened campaign against smuggling and prohibited importation, the Bureau, through the Manila International Container Port (MICP) intercepted smuggled cigarettes through the efforts of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and Xray Inspection Unit (XIP).

Goods were imported by OCEAN WORLD ENTERPRISES and were declared as various items which included cartons, furnitures and bags, among others. Upon verification, it was found out that subject containers actually comprised 500 cases and 1,198 boxes of smuggled cigarettes from China with an estimated amount of Php 60 million.

Currently, a total of eleven (11) shipments are being investigated on suspicion for illegal importation of cigarettes. The importer, on the other hand will face charges for violation of section 1400 in relation to section 1113 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10863 otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) as well as violation of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) guidelines and regulations, and pertinent National Tobacco Authority (NTA) Memorandum. Other shipments of the importer are now subject for further investigation to ascertain if they are also in violation of Customs laws, rules and regulations.

The Port stresses that smuggling of items such as cigarettes and other illicit and regulated goods are strictly prohibited and shall be met with the full implementation of the law. The MICP remains steadfast in its mandate in protecting the country’s borders under the guidance of BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero.