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The Bureau of Customs seized an estimated P105.6 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Bataan
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More than 1,000 master cases were loaded on 12 motor vehicles
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The cigarettes originated from China, Vietnam, and Korea and intended for local distribution, particularly in Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized an estimated P105.6 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Bataan.
On January 9, a BOC composite team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and the Enforcement and Security Service assigned at the Port of Limay conducted an inspection of a compound in Barangay Santa Isabel, Dinalupihan, Bataan.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard-Task Force Aduana and the Bureau of Internal Revenue Regional Office No. 4 Central Luzon-Regional Investigation Division, pursuant to a valid letter of authority, the BOC reported in a news release.
Inside the compound, authorities discovered 12 motor vehicles loaded with approximately 1,030 master cases of tobacco products bearing brands such as Modern, RGD, Nise Baisha, HP, Power, Carnival, Playboy, and President.
Based on packaging and initial investigation, the cigarettes were traced to China, Vietnam, and Korea.
The seized tobacco products were believed to be intended for local distribution in Regions II (Cagayan Valley) and III (Central Luzon).
The operation was further supported by officials of Barangay Santa Isabel, the Philippine National Police-Bataan Provincial Police Office, and security elements from Charlie Company, 69th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
READ: BOC intercepts P5.93M worth of smuggled cigarettes in North Cotabato
“This successful operation demonstrates our relentless drive to combat smuggling and protect government revenue,” Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
“Through collaboration and cooperation among government agencies, we can work together to solve this problem and ensure that those who attempt to circumvent our laws are held accountable,” he said.
