Smuggling

Port of Manila condemns Illegal Cigarettes and Counterfeiting Machines

As part of the Bureau of Customs’ commitment to border protection, the Bureau through the Port of Manila condemned seized fake and smuggled cigarettes at a rendering facility located at Porac, Pampanga. The condemnation was through the combined efforts of the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division (ACDD), Enforcement and Security Service Quick Reaction Team (ESS-QRT) and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).

Among those condemned were 2,305 reams of illegal and smuggled cigarettes branded as Marvel, Two Moon, Mighty and Astro cigarettes. Also included were seized machines used to create counterfeit cigarettes and cigarette packaging. The condemnation process was done through dismantling, crushing, and shredding. In total, the condemned items were estimated at a value of Php 21 Million.

In his statement POM District Collector Michael Angelo DC. Vargas stated that the Port of Manila shall actively conduct condemnation and auction proceedings in line with the guidance of BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero of ensuring that seized items shall no longer be used and that port facilities are decongested for better trade facilitation. Vargas further reiterated their commitment to border protection as part of the BOC’s mandate.

As the nation continues to recover from the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Manila remains steadfast in its commitment to support Commissioner Guerrero’s thrust of transparency and dedicated public service to every Filipino.