P235-Million Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes Nasamsam ng BOC — Galing UAE, Walang Health Warning

The Bureau of Customs just pulled off another massive bust. Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno personally led the inspection of a shipment containing P235-million worth of smuggled cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates that was bound for the Port of Batangas. The haul: 637 master cases of MAC Super Slim Ice Cool Blast Cigarettes — all without the required graphic health warnings.

The seized cigarettes violated Republic Act 10643, the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which mandates that all tobacco products sold in the Philippines carry graphic images showing the health risks of smoking. On top of that, the items didn't have the required Bureau of Internal Revenue stamps — a clear violation of the National Internal Revenue Code.

District Collector Carmelita Talusan wasted no time and issued a warrant of seizure and detention under Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The shipment is now under government custody pending further legal proceedings.

This latest bust is just the tip of the iceberg. Since January 1 to March 6 alone, the BOC has recorded 127 successful cigarette-related interdictions nationwide, resulting in the seizure of approximately P2-billion worth of illicit cigarettes. "Those who attempt to exploit the country's borders for illegal trade will face the full force of the law," Nepomuceno warned.

The BOC says it's strengthening coordination with partner law enforcement agencies to pursue a "whole-of-government approach" in fighting the illicit tobacco trade, which continues to be one of the biggest threats to public health and fair market competition sa bansa.

Source: Manila Bulletin