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The Bureau of Customs confiscated more than P5 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and counterfeit goods from multiple warehouses in Bulacan
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Seized were counterfeit devices, garments, and gadgets valued at around P5 billion, along with smuggled cigarettes worth P500 million from at least 19 warehouses in Meycauayan City
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The consignors and consignees of the seized cigarettes and fake items may face charges for violating intellectual property and the TRAIN law, including provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated P5.5 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and counterfeit goods from multiple warehouses in Bulacan.
An inspection was conducted on August 22, with authorities seizing counterfeit devices, garments, and gadgets valued at around P5 billion, along with smuggled cigarettes worth P500 million.
The operation targeted 19 warehouses at Green Miles Compound, Sitio Cabatuhan, Camalig in Meycauayan City and was authorized by a Letter of Authority acknowledged by warehouse representatives, according to the BOC.
The BOC said those responsible for the smuggled cigarettes and counterfeit items would face charges under Republic Act (RA) 8291 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law (RA 10963), and the National Tobacco Administration Board Resolution No. 079-2005, including provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
“Smuggling in this magnitude is the work of big organizations because of the complexity of the process of storing, hiding, and trickling these to the markets,” Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Director Verne Enciso said in a statement.
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy emphasized the negative impact of smuggling on consumers and the economy. “Our consumers must be certain of the quality and durability of these products, but because these smugglers circumvent the law, we cannot give our buyers the same protection that authorized and legitimate items provide,” Uy said.
READ: BOC-MICP intercepts smuggled cigarettes, vape products worth P791M
