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The Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port intercepted P791 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and vape products from Singapore
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The contraband was found inside three containers that arrived on May 11
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The shipment yielded 4,215 master cases of cigarettes and 1,053 master cases of heat sticks
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The shipment was initially declared to contain 3,845 cases of tobacco products but lacked the mandatory printed graphic health warnings on its packaging
The Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) intercepted P791 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and vape products from Singapore on May 14.
The contraband was found inside three containers that arrived at the MICP on May 11 and the shipment yielded 4,215 master cases of cigarettes and 1,053 master cases of heat sticks.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) of MICP said the shipment was initially declared to contain 3,845 cases of tobacco products but lacked the mandatory printed graphic health warnings on its packaging. This is in violation of Republic Act (RA) 11900 or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act of 2022” as implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry, Administrative Order No. 22-16 series of 2022 and RA 10643 or “The Graphic Health Warnings Law of 2014.”
Further verification with the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) revealed that the consignee of record was not a registered importer of tobacco products, violating NTA Board Resolution 079-2005.
A warrant of seizure and detention will be issued against the shipment for violating Section 117 (Regulated Importation) in relation to Section 1113 of RA 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, RA 11900, and RA 10643, as well as the NTA board resolution.
The interception followed information received by the CIIS-MICP led by Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy.
MICP, headed by District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan, said it will continue to support BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s directives to intensify vigilance against smuggling, including active prosecution of those involved.
“Our vigilant team is committed [to] upholding regulations and safeguarding consumers from potentially hazardous consumer products,” Rubio said in a statement.
